Independence Day 2026: From 21-Gun Salute to 'Vande Mataram', Know What's Special at Red Fort

New Delhi: Today there is a celebration of independence across the country. The tricolour is fluttering from the Red Fort to the villages and towns. The dream achieved 80 years ago is still alive in the heart of every Indian.

How special will the Red Fort ceremony be this time?

This year's ceremony will be remembered for many reasons. The biggest thing - for the first time everyone will sing 'Vande Mataram' together on the ramparts of the Red Fort. The Defence Ministry said that this is being done to honour the 150-year legacy of the national anthem. The second focus is 'Developed India 2047'. This time the youth have been brought on the stage. Their dreams, their hard work and their role in building the country will be shown. The message of the government is clear - India has to be made a developed nation in the next 25 years.

How will the prime minister be welcomed and who will salute?

On reaching the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi will be welcomed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State Sanjay Seth and Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Delhi area GOC Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi will escort him to the saluting stage.

After this, a joint team of Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will salute the PM. This time the Indian Army is in coordinator service. Lieutenant Colonel Arjun Singh will command the guard of honor. The PM will also inspect the guard of honour.

What will be special at the time of flag hoisting?

After the salute, the PM will reach the ramparts. Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan will help him in hoisting the flag. As soon as the tricolour is hoisted, 1721 Field Battery will salute with 21 guns. This moment is the most emotional part of the entire ceremony. While going up the flag, the army band will play 'Vande Mataram'. Then all the people present in the Red Fort will sing the national anthem together. Immediately after this, the national anthem will be played.

How will flowers be showered from the sky?

At the time of flag hoisting, two MI-17 helicopters of the Air Force will pass over the Red Fort. One helicopter will bring the national flag and the other with 'Vande Mataram' written on it. Flowers will be showered from both the helicopters. This sight doubles the enthusiasm for patriotism every time.

What will happen after PM's speech?

After PM Modi's address, NCC cadets and 'Mera Bharat' volunteers will sing 'Vande Mataram' again. This time around 5000 special guests have been invited from different areas. A full dress rehearsal was also held at the Red Fort yesterday.

How will it be celebrated in the rest of the country?

Apart from Delhi, the tricolour will be hoisted in the capital, district headquarters and schools in every state and union territory. There will be cultural programmes, parades and patriotic songs. People will remember the martyrs and salute the tricolour. This journey of 80 years reminds us that independence was not easy. Now the responsibility is to take it forward.