India will observe its 79th Independence Day on Friday, 15 August. As part of the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag
and speak to the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi. This will be his 12th consecutive Independence Day address. The day’s programme will begin in the early hours, with the Prime Minister expected to speak around 7:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature greetings from dignitaries, a ceremonial 21-gun salute, and the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. In keeping with tradition, helicopters from the Indian Air Force are likely to shower petals over the gathering.
How to Watch the Speech
Television viewers can watch the live broadcast on Doordarshan and Times Now. Online coverage will be available on the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) YouTube channel, its official X account (@PIB_India), and the Prime Minister’s Office YouTube channel. The event will also be streamed on pmindia.gov.in, ddnews.gov.in, and the official Independence Day portal, independenceday.nic.in.Independence Day Event Line-Up:
Early Morning Assembly and Guard of HonourThe day’s official programme kicks off at 6:20 am with the assembly of NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers. By 6:50 am, the Guard of Honour takes position, ready for the arrival of the Prime Minister.
At 7:18 am, a fanfare heralds the Prime Minister’s entry through Lahore Gate. He is received by the Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister), Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence) and the Defence Secretary. The General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Delhi Area escorts him to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presents the general salute.
Hoisting of the National Flag and 21-Gun Salute
At 7:30 am, the most iconic moment arrives. The Prime Minister unfurls the tricolour, the Guard presents the National Salute, and the band plays the National Anthem accompanied by a 21-gun salute.
As the anthem echoes, flower petals will rain down on the crowd from Indian Air Force helicopters, adding to the spectacle.
PM’s Address and National Unity in Song
Following the ceremonial salute, the Prime Minister will deliver his address to the nation. His speech is expected to highlight the year’s achievements, reflect on the country’s journey, and outline the path ahead.
Afterwards, NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will lead the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the release of balloons – a visual symbol of India’s aspirations taking flight.
Departure and Closing Formalities
The Prime Minister will then be seen off by senior defence and government officials before departing the Red Fort. The formalities conclude by around 7:45 am, marking the end of the official proceedings but the start of celebrations across the country.
This year’s theme continues to focus on youth engagement, patriotic pride, and unity, with creative nationwide contests honouring the sacrifices of freedom fighters while celebrating the shared heritage of a diverse nation.
