Independence Day 2023: Guard Of Honour, PM's Speech, Reception By President; List Of Events On Aug 15

The national capital is gearing up to celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day. The historic Independence Day celebration which started in 1947 reflects the spirit of the nation. This significant event, dedicated to honour and recall India's resolute journey towards freedom was started to celebrate the idea of India that has been developed over the years but the core principles of it remained unchanged over several political, economic and social changes over the years.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released the schedule of the 77th Independence Day celebrations which will be adorned with vibrant cultural festivities, patriotic melodies and traditional gestures of nationalism. As per the advisory issued by the ministry, the celebration of the Independence Day ceremony or hoisting of the National Flag in the state capitals or district headquarters/subdivision should start after 9 am.

For the Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort in the national capital, the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police will present a Guard of Honour to the Prime Minister. The ceremony will be followed by the hosting of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of a 21-gun salute, showering of flower petals by the helicopters of the Indian Air Force.

The event at the Red Fort will then be succeeded by a speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after the PM's speech and the release of the tri-coloured balloons into the sky at the end.   

Around 1,800 special guests including several prominent leaders and delegates from all across the country will be attending the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on 15th August.

Later by the evening, the ‘At Home’ reception will be hosted by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. A diverse set of guests apart from the usual protocol invitees will be present at the Presidential’s Palace. The invitees include frontline health workers, achievers in different fields and researchers/innovators across nations.