By Krishna Dua 
India’s 79th Independence Day: A Celebration of Freedom and Progress
On August 15, 2025, India will proudly celebrate its 79th Independence Day, a momentous occasion that commemorates the nation’s liberation from British rule in 1947. This day is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters and a celebration of India’s remarkable journey as a sovereign, democratic, and progressive nation. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future,” a call to remember our past while actively contributing to a vibrant and prosperous tomorrow.
The annual festivities, especially at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, are a central part of the national celebration. This year, the events are designed to be more inclusive and participative than ever before, with a focus on citizen engagement, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.
The Grand Ceremony at the Red Fort
The heart of the Independence Day celebrations lies at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, will hoist the national flag. The ceremony is a display of national pride, beginning with a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police, followed by the unfurling of the Tiranga, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. This year, the Prime Minister’s address to the nation is particularly anticipated as it will incorporate ideas and suggestions submitted by citizens through platforms like MyGov and the NaMo App, reflecting a spirit of “inclusive nation-building.”
The Prime Minister’s speech is expected to highlight the country’s achievements over the past year, discuss its future aspirations, and touch upon key areas such as technological progress, social justice, and national security. The event will also honor individuals from various walks of life who have made exemplary contributions to society, including eco-warriors, frontline health workers, and community leaders. For the first time, Panchayat representatives from across the country have been invited as special guests, a move that recognizes the crucial role of local governance in national development.
How to Attend the Red Fort Celebrations
For citizens who wish to witness this historic event in person, tickets are available for purchase online. The Ministry of Defence, the nodal body for the celebrations, has an official website, aamantran.mod.gov.in, for ticket booking.
Here is a step-by-step guide to booking your ticket:
- Visit the official
aamantran.mod.gov.inwebsite. - Register and create an account if you are a new user.
- Fill in the required personal details and upload the necessary documents for verification.
- Select the event for “Independence Day Celebrations 2025” and choose your preferred ticket category.
- Complete the secure online payment. Tickets are available in different categories, typically priced at ₹20, ₹100, and ₹500 per person.
- Once the payment is successful, you will receive a digital ticket. It is advisable to either print a hard copy or have the digital version ready on your mobile phone for seamless entry.
For those travelling to the venue, the Delhi Metro will be the most convenient mode of transport. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that services will begin early on August 15, starting at 4:00 AM from all terminal stations to accommodate the large number of attendees.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign Returns
The “Har Ghar Tiranga” (Tricolour at Every Home) campaign, first launched under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ is being carried forward this year with renewed vigor. The campaign, organized by the Ministry of Culture, encourages every Indian to bring home the national flag and hoist it to mark India’s Independence Day.
The primary objective of this initiative is to foster a more personal and emotional connection between the citizens and the Tiranga. It moves the relationship with the national flag from a formal, institutional one to a deeply personal and heartfelt one. This year’s campaign will run from August 2nd to August 15th, 2025, with various activities designed to promote patriotism and national unity.
Key activities include:
- Flag Hoisting: Citizens are encouraged to hoist the national flag at their homes and offices, adhering to the Flag Code of India, 2002.
- Creative Competitions: The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with MyGov, is organizing the “Har Ghar Tiranga Quiz 2025” and a “Selfie with Tiranga” initiative. Participants can upload their selfies with the flag on the official website, www.harghartiranga.com, to showcase their patriotic spirit.
- Community Events: Schools and local communities are organizing Tiranga Rallies, प्रभात-फेरी (morning processions), and cultural programs. A special letter-writing drive is also being conducted, where students will write letters to members of the armed forces and police, expressing their gratitude for their dedicated service.
Watching the Celebrations Live
For those unable to attend the Red Fort ceremony in person, there are numerous ways to watch the celebrations live. The Prime Minister’s speech will be telecast live on the national broadcaster, Doordarshan, and All India Radio. In addition, major private news channels and online platforms will provide live coverage.
You can also watch the official live streams on various government-run online channels and social media platforms, including:
- The official YouTube channel of the Prime Minister of India.
- The Prime Minister’s official social media handles (X, Facebook, etc.).
- The official websites of the Ministry of Defence and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Beyond the main ceremony, cultural programs and flag-hoisting events will take place in state capitals, district headquarters, and local communities across the country. Key landmarks and government buildings will be illuminated in the colors of the national flag, creating a spectacular visual tribute to the nation’s freedom. As evening falls, the sky will be filled with tricolour kites, symbolizing the spirit of freedom soaring high.