INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL: India Celebrates 80th Independence Day with Grand Patriotic Festivities

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day with patriotic spirit across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh to Kutch. The main celebration will take place at Delhi’s Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation and hoist the national flag for the 13th consecutive time. Delhi has been illuminated in the colors of the Tricolour, with iconic landmarks including Parliament House, India Gate, North Block, Qutub Minar, Red Fort and New Delhi Railway Station decorated for the occasion. Elaborate security arrangements, including a seven-layer security system, have been put in place. This year’s celebrations are expected to feature several new traditions. The theme focuses on the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” and youth power. For the first time, a collective singing of “Vande Mataram” is planned at the Red Fort. The flag-hoisting ceremony will include a 21-gun salute, while MI-17 helicopters are expected to shower flowers. Around 5,000 special guests and nearly 20,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces and commandos, are expected to be present.