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India 80th Independence Day celebrations

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2026-08-12 04:15 UTC → 2026-08-12 06:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

As India approaches its 80th Independence ~~Day,~~ Day in 2026, preparations have expanded to include significant symbolic and ceremonial updates. ~~By August 11, attention~~ Attention remains focused on the Tiranga, the national flag designed by Pingali Venkayya. The flag’s saffron, white, and green bands—representing courage, strength, sacrifice, peace, and growth—are being reflected in celebratory culinary themes, such as saffron-infused ~~rice~~ rice, white dairy-based dishes like raita, and green vegetable components. A major ceremonial change was announced for the August 15 event at the Red Fort: the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, will be performed for the first time as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives, preceding the flag unfurling and the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. ~~This decision marks 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote~~ Defence Secretary RK Singh noted that the inclusion aligns with the upcoming 150th anniversary of the song ~~and~~ in 2026. This decision follows a July parliamentary bill making it a criminal offense to insult the national song. While the government promotes the theme ‘Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047’ to highlight youth contributions, the new protocol has sparked debate. Some organizations have expressed opposition to singing the full version due to religious references, while others have raised concerns regarding the placement of the national song in relation to the national anthem.

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