New Delhi, August 13, 2025 - The Nation is gearing up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, with a spectacular ceremony led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. This year’s theme, “Naya Bharat,” will echo the country’s commitment to building a bold, prosperous, and secure future. The celebrations aim to showcase India’s transformation under the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Grand Ceremony at Red Fort
Prime Minister Modi will arrive at the Red Fort and be welcomed by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, who will accompany the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base. There, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present a general salute.
The Prime Minister will then inspect the Guard of Honour, which will consist of 96 personnel 24 each from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The Indian Air Force is the coordinating service for the Independence Day celebrations this year. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon. Major Arjun Singh, Lieutenant Commander Komaldeep Singh, Squadron Leader Rajan Arora, and Additional DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh will command the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police contingents respectively.
Flag Hoisting Ceremony
After the inspection, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort. There, he will be greeted by senior defence leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the National Flag.
The flag hoisting will be synchronized with a 21-Gun Salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar Anuthosh Sarkar.
National Salute and Aerial Display
The National Flag Guard, comprising one officer and 32 Other Ranks each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police, totaling 128 personnel, will present the Rashtriya Salute. This Guard will be commanded by Wing Commander Tarun Dagar, with Major Prakash Singh, Lieutenant Commander Mohd Parvej, Squadron Leader VV Sharvan, and Additional DCP Abhimanyu Poswal leading their respective contingents.
The Indian Air Force band, consisting of one JCO and 25 Other Ranks, will play the National Anthem during the hoisting and Rashtriya Salute. The band will be conducted by Junior Warrant Officer M Deka. For the first time, 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians will be part of the band. As the flag is hoisted, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force will shower flower petals. One helicopter will carry the national flag, and the other a flag depicting 'Operation Sindoor'. The captains of the helicopters will be Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal.
Operation Sindoor Honoured
Operation Sindoor will be specially honoured during this year’s celebrations. The logo of the operation will be prominently displayed at Gyanpath and on invitation cards. The floral arrangements at the event will also reflect the Operation Sindoor theme. The invitation cards include a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolizing the rise of Naya Bharat.
Formation of Naya Bharat
Following the Prime Minister's address, a grand visual representation of "Naya Bharat" will be displayed at Gyanpath. Around 2,500 cadets from the NCC (Army, Navy, and Air Force wings) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will form the 'Naya Bharat' logo. These participants will be seated opposite the Red Fort.
Special Guests at the Event
This year, around 5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds will attend the Red Fort celebrations. The guests include:
- Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025
- Winners of international sports events
- Khelo India Para Games Gold Medalists
- Top-performing farmers under schemes like the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission and medicinal plant initiatives
- Best performing traders/cooperatives using the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts
- Outstanding Sarpanches of Open Defecation Free Plus Villages and Catch the Rain Abhiyan
- Young authors mentored under PM YUVA
- Youth trained under PM-VIKAS scheme
- Entrepreneurs supported by PM Van Dhan Yojana, National SC/ST Hub, and NSTFDC
- Students from PM-DAKSH, SHREYAS, SHRESTA schemes
- Members of successful Self Help Groups and PACS
- PM Internship Scheme interns
- My Bharat Volunteers
- Beneficiaries of PM Awaas Yojana Gramin
- Winners of quiz and competition events from Delhi schools
- 50 top-performing Swachhta workers
- Beneficiaries of Lakhpati Didi, Anganwadi workers, Child Care officers
- Rehabilitated bonded labourers, rescued women and children
- International Yoga Day volunteers
- Village leaders achieving saturation in social welfare schemes
- Guests from Vibrant Villages
- SHG members under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission
- Tribal children from Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Over 1,500 individuals from different States/UTs will attend in traditional attire, showcasing India’s cultural diversity.
Facilities for Public Convenience
To enhance public experience, 25 cloak rooms have been installed at 12 locations. 190 volunteers (120 from 'My Bharat' and 70 from NCC) will guide visitors to their enclosures. NCC cadets will assist with wheelchairs at metro stations and parking areas. Parking has been expanded to accommodate 250 additional cars. Delhi Metro will operate from 4 AM on August 15 for smooth travel.
Competitions and Public Participation
Leading up to Independence Day, the Ministry of Defence and MyGov organized several competitions:
- Formation design contest for Gyanpath
- Essay on ‘Operation Sindoor – Redefining India’s Policy Against Terrorism’
- Reel contest on Indian independence monuments
- Painting competition on ‘New India, Empowered India’
- Quiz contests on Women’s Role in New India, Borders of India, and Atmanirbhar Innovation
About 1,000 winners from these competitions will also be part of the Red Fort ceremony.
Musical Tribute Across India
For the first time, patriotic military band performances will be held across India in the evening of August 15. Bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles will perform at over 140 key locations, igniting national pride and unity.
Conclusion
The 79th Independence Day will stand out as a powerful symbol of national unity, pride, and vision. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the celebrations will not only commemorate past sacrifices but also inspire future achievements. The event promises to reflect the strength of Naya Bharat bold, secure, and resilient.
