Independence Day Celebrations 2026 to honour ‘150 Years of Vande Mataram’ & ‘Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047’

The Ministry of Defence announced that the 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 will be marked by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unfurling the National Flag at the Red Fort, where, for the first time, the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung from the ramparts as a tribute to its 150-year legacy. The celebrations will also highlight 'Yuva Shakti' and the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, featuring 2,500 NCC and My Bharat volunteers forming the song's letters, a Mi-17 helicopter banner, and nationwide military band performances at 343 locations. Approximately 5,000 special guests from various youth, innovation, and service schemes, along with 1,500 Delhi-based participants in traditional attire, will attend.