Vande Mataram rendered for first time at Red Fort, PM hoists National Flag

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. Upon his arrival, for the first time, the national song Vande Mataram was rendered at the Red Fort. 

BREAKING | HISTORIC FIRST AT RED FORT

Vande Mataram resonates at the Red Fort for the first time during Independence Day celebrations!

PM Narendra Modi leads India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations from the iconic Red Fort.

A historic moment. A proud moment for… pic.twitter.com/WvzzLXb6fp

— Jan Ki Baat (@jankibaat1) August 15, 2026

Thereafter, the Prime Minister hoisted the National Flag, following which the national anthem was sung. The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21-gun salute, and flower petals were showered by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force. The celebrations this year also commemorate Yuva Shakti, acknowledging the contribution of young India in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Tricolour unfurls with the pride of 140 crore Indians! It carries the spirit of countless sacrifices and the promise of India’s boundless future.

May the Tiranga always inspire us to realise our shared vision of a Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/4Mecv2e5tm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2026

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi said that for the first time since Independence, Vande Mataram is echoing from the Red Fort. He said, in recent days, some parts of the country have witnessed severe floods and landslides, affecting many families. The Prime Minister assured all the affected families that the entire nation stands firmly with them. He said, a nation becomes great when it moves forward on the strength of its resolve and capabilities.