India to mark 79th Independence Day with Red Fort ceremony

India prepares to mark its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, with formal ceremonies at the Red Fort in Delhi and a broad program of cultural events nationwide. The day, which commemorates the nation’s freedom from British rule in 1947, will feature the traditional flag-hoisting by the prime minister, a 21-gun salute, and ceremonial performances by the Indian Air Force band. The government has outlined arrangements designed to accommodate thousands of attendees, including public conveniences such as extra metro services, cloakrooms, and wheelchair assistance. The celebrations will also highlight the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, a push to place the national flag in homes and communities as part of a broader patriotic observance.

A point of emphasis this year is the counting convention surrounding Independence Day. Although 2025 marks 78 full years since 1947, the occasion is publicly described as the 79th Independence Day, a distinction tied to counting the first celebration in 1947 as the starting point. Officials note that the inclusive method counts the year 1947 as the first celebration, with each subsequent year adding to the tally. In practice, this means the nation...