In a first, ‘Vande Mataram’ to be sung from Red Fort on 80th Independence Day

Security personnel check vehicles outside Bakshi Stadium ahead of Independence Day, in Srinagar on Monday. (ANI)

A Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram and shower flower petals over the people gathered at the Red Fort.

#WATCH | Delhi: As part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, for the first time ever, the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ would be sung from the ramparts of Red Fort

Defence Secretary RK Singh says, “This is the first time we are doing it with that sequence. The sequence is… pic.twitter.com/Ugj7UwPBQs

— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2026

Paying tribute to the national song, a number of band performances are also being held by the military bands. The performances, which began at 343 prominent locations across the country on Saturday, will continue until August 15.

The celebrations this year will also commemorate Yuva Shakti, acknowledging the contribution of young India in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the defence secretary highlighted.

“Achievements of 19 medallist students of International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiad 2026 is an example of the success of Yuva Shakti in the field of science. They have been invited for the function and will be seated on the rampart,” Singh said.

The plan to celebrate the success and contribution of youth at the Independence Day celebrations predates “the Jantar Mantar agitation”, the official added.

Approximately 5,000 special guests, who are achievers from different walks of life and are guiding the country in its Viksit Bharat journey, have also been invited as special guests for the celebrations.