Independence Day 2026: India is getting ready to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15. On the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. He will also address the nation from the historic venue.
This year, around 5,000 special guests have been invited to the Independence Day ceremony.
Interestingly, the guest list is not limited to politicians or celebrities. It includes people from different parts of the country who have made a difference in areas such as agriculture, education, sports, business and social work.
Youth and startups among special guests
Young innovators linked to national innovation programmes will attend the event.
Top interns from the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme have also been invited.
High-performing startups that have benefited from government schemes will be part of the ceremony. Startups supported by the Startup India Seed Fund have also been included.
Young people who have received skill training under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana will also attend.
Outstanding volunteers from MY Bharat are among the special guests.
Beneficiaries of the NAMASTE, PM-AJAY and SEED schemes have also been invited.
Quiz-winning students to attend
Students from Delhi government schools will also get a chance to attend the ceremony. They have been selected through various quizzes and competitions.
Students who have performed well in academics and other competitions will be among the special guests at the Red Fort.
Women entrepreneurs and scientists
Women entrepreneurs supported under the PM Mudra Yojana have been invited. High-performing beneficiaries of PMAY (Urban) will also attend.
The guest list also includes innovators and scientists from different fields.
Drivers and taxi workers are also part of the list. ‘Saarthis’, cab drivers and taxi drivers associated with Bharat Taxi in Delhi have been invited.
Beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana will also attend the ceremony.
Artisans covered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme have also been invited.
Farmers and workers to be honoured
The special guest list also includes high-performing beneficiaries of the PM-SYM Yojana.
Top achievers under the PM-MKSSY scheme will also be present.
Street vendors associated with PM SVANidhi have also been invited.
Urban sanitation workers under the Swachh Bharat Mission are part of the guest list.
Top-performing Delhi Metro workers have also been invited.
Workers involved in the Kartavya Path and Central Vista projects will also attend the event.
Hospital staff among special guests
Nursing orderlies and other staff members from Delhi government hospitals have also been invited.
These workers assist patients and support hospital operations every day.
Their inclusion highlights the role of frontline workers in public services.
Over 1,500 people to showcase India’s diversity
More than 1,500 Delhi residents from different states and Union Territories will attend the ceremony in traditional clothes.
Their attire will showcase the culture and traditions of different parts of India.
The group is expected to present a picture of a ‘mini-India’ at the Red Fort.
Theme of Independence Day 2026
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will focus on two major themes.
The first is “150 Years of Vande Mataram.”
The second is “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The themes highlight the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram and the role of India’s youth in building a developed India by 2047.
150 years of Vande Mataram
The year 2026 marks 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The national song will therefore have a special place in this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
The government has also planned several programmes as part of the 150 Years of Vande Mataram initiative.
With thousands of special guests from different sections of society, this year’s Red Fort ceremony will highlight the contributions of ordinary citizens, workers, entrepreneurs, students and young Indians.
