79th Independence Day Celebrations Live Updates: India is gearing up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on Friday, August 15, with full patriotic fervour. The day commemorates the nation’s freedom from over 200 years of British colonial rule, which finally came to an end in 1947. President Droupadi Murmu is delivering her annual address to the nation on Thursday evening. This is President Murmu’s fourth address on Independence Day eve. 79th Independence Day Celebrations Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies across the nation. People sing the national anthem and participate in drills and cultural programmes. The theme for the 79th Independence Day celebrations is ‘Naya Bharat.’ According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, the subject depicts India’s objective of being a prosperous, safe, and independent country by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, where he will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist in hoisting the Tricolour. This year’s celebrations at Red Fort will be attended by about 5,000 special guests drawn from various walks of life across the country. It includes members of the Indian contingent for the Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sporting events, 50 better-performing Swachhta workers of the Swachhta Campaign, tribal children from native communities of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, among others. Operation Sindoor To Feature In I-Day Celebrations The Indian Air Force is the coordinating service for this year’s event, which will feature a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special flypast carrying both the National Flag and the Operation Sindoor flag.