PM Modi Hoists Tricolour At Red Fort, 'Vande Mataram' Echoes At National Ceremony For First Time

New Delhi: Today there is a celebration of independence across the country. The main ceremony held at the Red Fort of Delhi was full of patriotism and tradition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolor and addressed the nation. This time the biggest highlight of the celebrations was 'Vande Mataram'.

Why was the entire 'Vande Mataram' special for the first time at the Red Fort?

This year, 'Vande Mataram' is completing 150 years. On this occasion, its complete version was presented for the first time at the Red Fort. After the flag hoisting, the army band played the tune of 'Vande Mataram'. Immediately after this the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was played. PM Modi also mentioned this in his speech. He said that for the first time after independence, 'Vande Mataram' has been heard in full form at the Red Fort.

#WATCH | Delhi: For the first time, the National Song Vande Mataram is rendered during Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi leads the 80th Independence Day Celebrations from the Red Fort. pic.twitter.com/miSIlH6Dki

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

How was the 21-gun salute given?

As soon as the PM hoisted the tricolor, a 21-gun salute was given from the Indian Army's indigenous 105 mm light field gun. The 21-gun salute is an old tradition of Independence Day. As soon as the Tricolor was hoisted, the entire Red Fort echoed with slogans of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.

How did the flowers rain from the helicopter?

During the ceremony, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Air Force passed over the Red Fort. One helicopter had a national flag and the other had a 'Vande Mataram' flag. Flower petals were showered from both the helicopters. Flowers falling from the sky made the atmosphere more grand.

What is the major change regarding 'Vande Mataram'?

Recently, President Draupadi Murmu has approved the Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Under this, 'Vande Mataram' will now get the same legal protection as the national anthem. On the eve of Independence Day, the President had said that 'Vande Mataram' became the voice of the people during the Swadeshi movement. This song strengthened the spirit of patriotism in the freedom movement.

What did PM Modi do at Rajghat?

Before going to the Red Fort, PM Modi reached Rajghat. There he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. After this, on reaching the Red Fort, he was welcomed and given a guard of honour. Then after the flag hoisting, he addressed the nation. The 80th Independence Day became memorable with the spectacular combination of 'Vande Mataram', tricolor and military traditions.