Stage set for 80th Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort

The Ministry of Defence announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on 15 August 2026. The event will mark ‘150 Years of Vande Mataram’ and ‘Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat @2047’, with ‘Vande Mataram’ being sung at the venue for the first time. The Indian Army is the coordinating service; a Guard of Honour comprising 1 officer and 24 personnel from each of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will be inspected, followed by a National Flag hoisting synchronized with a 21‑gun salute and flower‑petal showers by two IAF Mi‑17 helicopters. Approximately 5,000 special guests and 2,500 NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will attend, and extensive public‑convenience measures—including cloak rooms, wheelchair assistance, free metro services and rain‑ponchos—have been arranged.