On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and delivered his 11th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, marking India’s 78th Independence Day. The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ focuses on advancing the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Modi being greeted by senior government and military officials. He then inspected the Guard of Honour, coordinated by the Indian Navy this year. A significant highlight was the hoisting of the national flag by the Prime Minister, accompanied by a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery, using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.
Approximately 6,000 special guests from various segments of Indian society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, and beneficiaries of government schemes, were invited to attend the ceremony.
Live Updates: Independence Day Celebrations Across India
2: 30 pm: Leh, Ladakh: ITBP personnel of the 24th Battalion (NW Frontier) celebrate the 78th Independence Day at over 14,000 feet, enduring harsh terrain and low oxygen levels. Their resolute spirit shines through the toughest conditions!
#ITBP personnel of 24 Bn (NW Frontier)celebrate the 78th Independence Day in Leh, Ladakh, braving inhospitable terrain at over 14,000 feet with low oxygen levels. Their unwavering spirit stands tall amidst the toughest conditions! 🇮🇳 #IndependenceDay2024 #Himveers pic.twitter.com/7vvBwGmWUc
— ITBP (@ITBP_official) August 15, 2024
1:56 pm: New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu visited the National War Memorial on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day to pay homage to the nation’s bravehearts.
President Droupadi Murmu visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of 78th Independence Day and paid homage to the bravehearts. pic.twitter.com/seK8NTVIry
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 15, 2024
1:45 pm: BSF Rajasthan IG Mangilal Garg says, “I extend my warmest greetings to all countrymen on the 78th Independence Day. My message is that we must all work together for our nation. ‘Desh hai toh hum hain’—our strength lies in our country. We are a robust democracy and an economic powerhouse. With the direction in which the government is leading us, we will become an even stronger nation.”
#WATCH | BSF Rajasthan IG Mangilal Garg says, “I extend the heartiest greeting to countrymen on 78th Independence Day. I would like to give the message that we should all work for our nation. Desh hai toh hum hain…We are a strong democracy and economic powerhouse. The path on… https://t.co/xBzwqc9Yf1 pic.twitter.com/nKTBTrVAxS
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
1:20 pm: Vizag: A scuba diver hoists the tricolor on the seabed of Sagara Nagar beach during the 78th Independence Day celebrations.
78వ స్వాతంత్ర్య వేడుకల సందర్భంగా సాగర నగర్ బీచ్ సముద్ర గర్భంలో త్రివర్ణ పతాకాన్ని రెపరెపలాడించిన స్క్యూబా డైవర్.#Vizag #IndependenceDay #UANow pic.twitter.com/tWdRdcOOK0
— ఉత్తరాంధ్ర నౌ! (@UttarandhraNow) August 15, 2024
1:17 pm: Nagpur: HQ UM&G Sub Area and its units at Nagpur and Kamptee celebrate the 78th Independence Day with a series of events. The celebrations featured a Fort Tour, Cycle Rally, Tiranga Runs, and Tiranga Marches. Personnel, along with their families and children, participated enthusiastically, marking the occasion with great fervor.
HQ UM&G Sub Area, Nagpur and its units at Nagpur & Kamptee celebrated 78th #IndependenceDay.
Fort Tour, Cycle Rally, Tiranga Runs & Tiranga Marches were organised. All personnel including families & children participated in the celebrations with great fervour. @adgpi pic.twitter.com/DI6igNmets
— PRO Nagpur, Ministry of Defence (@PRODefNgp) August 15, 2024
1:15 pm: 78th Independence Day celebrations held in Ladakh’s Leh today.
#WATCH | 78th Independence Day celebrations held in Ladakh’s Leh today pic.twitter.com/kQZQg8i1f8
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
1:13 pm: Former Odisha CM & BJD chief Naveen Patnaik attends 78th Independence Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar.
#WATCH | Former Odisha CM & BJD chief Naveen Patnaik attends 78th #IndependenceDay celebrations in Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/MU8BR98lIx
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
1:11 pm: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: CM N Chandrababu Naidu took part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations today.
#WATCH | Vijayawada | Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu took part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations today
(Source: I&PR Andhra Pradesh) pic.twitter.com/faVXCTGYRg
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
1:10 pm: Haridwar, Uttarakhand: On Independence Day, Yog Guru Swami Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balakrishna hoist the national flag at Patanjali Yogpeeth.
#WATCH | Yog Guru Swami Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balakrishna hoist the national flag at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, Uttarakhand on #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/fGsf9Gtnkt
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
1:00 pm: Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai took part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations held a party office in Chennai today.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai took part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations held a party office in Chennai today pic.twitter.com/wPdXSxpJPF
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:57 pm: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal: To celebrate the 78th Independence Day, the Indian Border Guarding Force (176th Battalion) and their counterparts, the Border Guard Bangladesh (18 BGB), exchanged sweets at ICP Fulbari.
#WATCH | Jalpaiguri, West Bengal: On the occasion of 78th #IndependenceDay, Indian Border Guarding Force(176 battalion) exchanged sweets with counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh(18 BGB) at ICP Fulbari pic.twitter.com/HNpwBHgJAH
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:56 pm: The Tricolor was hoisted at the residence of veteran BJP leader LK Advani in Delhi to mark the 78th Independence Day.
12:55 pm: Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh states, “The Prime Minister’s Independence Day address serves as a declaration of the government’s past achievements and future plans. He covered various topics including the political situation in Bangladesh, the need for a uniform civil code, one nation-one election, advancements in space, the National Research Foundation, and achievements of Olympic medalists. PM Modi outlined a roadmap towards our vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh says, “… The PM’s address to the nation on Independence Day is kind of a declaration of intent of the government’s past achievements and the roadmap ahead… He talked about the political situation in Bangladesh, the need for a… https://t.co/U6qIqPuUM7 pic.twitter.com/fcC0j26gDz
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:52 pm: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann takes part in 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jalandhar.
#WATCH | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann takes part in 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jalandhar
(Video source: Punjab Government) pic.twitter.com/O1tJjclrBQ
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12: 50 pm: BSF celebrates #IndependenceDay at Nadabet, the Indo-Pak border zero point in Gujarat’s Banaskantha.
#WATCH | BSF celebrates #IndependenceDay at Nadabet, the Indo-Pak border zero point in Gujarat’s Banaskantha. pic.twitter.com/Az7LI7h2gA
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:46 pm: Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal remarks, “I prefer not to comment on statements made on Independence Day. The Prime Minister is free to make such statements, but during our celebration of independence, I believe it’s not appropriate to respond to remarks that might seem divisive.”
#WATCH | Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says, ” I don’t want to comment on Independence Day, on statements of this nature. PM is free to make such statements…when we are celebrating our Independence, I don’t think I should respond to statements that may appear… pic.twitter.com/hgOU2WdB57
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:40 pm: Following his address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with children and spectators.
#WATCH | #IndependenceDay | After his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted children and spectators. pic.twitter.com/MNU5ITHghS
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:35 pm: Delhi: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud states, “… This day serves as a reminder of our responsibilities to one another and to the nation in upholding the values enshrined in our constitution.”
#WATCH | Delhi: CJI DY Chandrachud says, “… This is the day which reminds us of the duties we have to discharge towards each other and the nation in realising all the values of the constitution.” pic.twitter.com/aE16gIv321
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:30 pm: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar hoists the national flag at his residence in Delhi.
12:20 pm: Delhi Minister Atishi tweets, “… It is unimaginable that in an independent India, an elected Chief Minister would be falsely accused and imprisoned for months. On this Independence Day, let us pledge to fight against tyranny with unwavering determination until our last breath.”
आज स्वतंत्रता दिवस है, जब 1947 में भारत को अंग्रेजों की तानाशाही से आज़ादी मिली। सैंकड़ों स्वतंत्रता सैनानियों ने लाठियाँ खायीं, जेल गये और अपनी जान की क़ुर्बानी दी – हमें यह आज़ादी दिलवाने के लिए। उनके सपनों में भी ऐसा विचार नहीं आया होगा कि एक दिन, आज़ाद भारत में, एक चुने हुए… pic.twitter.com/mXwV40eJvp
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) August 15, 2024
12:15 pm: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hoists Tricolour on 78th Independence Day, in Kolkata.
#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hoists Tricolour on 78th Independence Day, in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/6ugKQ09qDX
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:12 pm: New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extends his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
In his message, Birla says, “I pay my respects to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured our independence. This Independence Day reminds us of the supreme sacrifices made by our citizens and youth for the country. It is a day to draw inspiration from their bravery and commitment.”
#WATCH | Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extends greetings to people on the occasion of 78th #IndependenceDay.
“…I pay my respects to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped us attain independence. This festival of independence reminds us of the day when our citizens and youth… pic.twitter.com/BT4j1TxZnE
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
12:00 pm: Delhi: At the Independence Day celebrations held at BJP headquarters, party president JP Nadda remarks, “As the country celebrates its 78th Independence Day, there’s a festive spirit nationwide. Everyone is committed to transforming India into a developed nation. Today, the Prime Minister has outlined targets in sectors like education, science, and health to achieve this goal. I am confident that every BJP worker, along with citizens, will contribute to building a developed India.”
#WATCH | Delhi | During Independence Day celebrations at BJP HQ, party president JP Nadda says, “Today the country is celebrating its 78th Independence Day. There is a joyous atmosphere across the nation. Every person is resolute in making India a developed nation…Today, the PM… pic.twitter.com/Pdouq9cff8
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
11:51 am: BJP President JP Nadda hoists Tricolour at party headquarters in Delhi.
#WATCH | BJP President JP Nadda hoists Tricolour at party headquarters in Delhi pic.twitter.com/h2sHtGEjX1
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
11: 50 am: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hoists the National Flag at the AICC Headquarters in Delhi to mark #IndependenceDay2024.
#WATCH | Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge hoists the National Flag at AICC Headquarters in Delhi on the occasion of #IndependenceDay2024 pic.twitter.com/wpCaAebWuG
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
11:40 am: On India’s Independence Day, the Indian and Sri Lankan armies come together for a joint yoga session.
The practice takes place at the Army Training School in Madurouya, Sri Lanka, as part of the bilateral military exercise Mitra Shakti 2024.
11:31 am: AIMIM President and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi hoists the Tricolour in Hyderabad on Independence Day.
#WATCH | AIMIM President & Member of Parliament, Asaduddin Owaisi hoists Tricolour in Hyderabad on Independence Day pic.twitter.com/LM70AvUwlP
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
11:30 am: Odisha: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik crafted a stunning sand art at Puri beach to mark the 78th Independence Day.
#WATCH | Odisha: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created sand art at Puri beach, on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
(Video: Sudarsan Pattnaik) pic.twitter.com/wZhzYGZORd
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
11:15 am: The Indian Army tweeted, “On the 78th Independence Day in Delhi, the Indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns of 1721 Field Battery delivered the traditional 21-Gun Salute as the Tricolour was hoisted.”
Indian Army tweets, “As the Tricolour is hoisted on 78th Independence Day in Delhi, the Indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns of 1721 Fd Bty give the traditional 21 Gun Salute.” pic.twitter.com/vKE3VVWOFU
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
11:00 am: Guwahati, Assam:Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the national flag in Guwahati as part of the celebrations for India’s 78th Independence Day.
#WATCH | Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the National flag on the occasion of #IndependenceDay2024. pic.twitter.com/st7vMfvnCS
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
10:50 am: Amritsar, Punjab: On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, DIG BSF Amritsar Sector, SS Chandel, hoisted the Tiranga at the Attari-Wagah border, marking the celebrations with pride and patriotism.
#WATCH | Punjab: DIG BSF Amritsar Sector, SS Chandel hoists the Tiranga on 78th #IndependenceDay, at Attari-Wagah border, in Amritsar. pic.twitter.com/b0xPXcAZ0G
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
10:40 am: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the commitment to a “Viksit Madhya Pradesh” and a “Viksit Bharat” during his Independence Day address, stating, “This moment has been possible only after countless sacrifices during the freedom struggle.”
#WATCH | Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says, “… We will all strive to have a Viksit Madhya Pradesh and a Viksit Bharat. This moment has been possible only after countless sacrifices during the freedom struggle…” pic.twitter.com/oiXmASM6u7
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 15, 2024
10:30 am: Agartala, Tripura: Chief Minister Manik Saha hoisted the National Flag to mark the occasion of Independence Day 2024.
#WATCH | Agartala: Tripura CM Manik Saha hoists the National Flag on the occasion of #IndependenceDay2024 pic.twitter.com/yX4S4oLmuu
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
10:15 am: Dehradun, Uttarakhand: On Independence Day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his greetings to all citizens and paid tribute to the freedom fighters and security forces who contributed to India’s freedom. Addressing the gathering, Dhami urged, “Today, we should resolve to make India a developed nation.”
#WATCH | Dehradun: On Independence Day, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, “I extend my greetings to everyone on this day. I pay tributes to the freedom fighters and security forces due to whom we attained freedom. Today, we should resolve to make India a developed nation.” pic.twitter.com/hXxk86bkFG
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 15, 2024
10:00 am: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hoisted the national flag at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram amid rain, marking the 78th Independence Day. Addressing attendees after the Independence Day Parade, Vijayan emphasized that the celebration should inspire collective action for the nation’s survival. He stated, “Worrying is not enough; we have to survive.” Various programs were conducted across the state as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
#WATCH | Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan attends 78th Independence Day celebrations underway in Thiruvananthapuram pic.twitter.com/vOYchlzcyt
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
9: 30 am: Nagpur, Maharashtra: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat reflects on India’s 78 years of Independence, stating, “We have completed 78 years of Independence. We achieved freedom only through the sacrifices of countless individuals who gave their lives for our independence, supported by the society that stood behind them. The generation that fought for our freedom is no longer with us, but it is now up to the coming generations to protect and uphold it.”
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “We have completed 78 years of Independence…. We got independence only after the sacrifices of countless people who sacrificed their lives for independence and the society that stood behind them has formed in the… pic.twitter.com/M6ViYxlxeJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
9:15 am: Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde extends his congratulations to all Indians, both within the country and abroad, on the occasion of Independence Day. In a statement, he says, “I congratulate all Indians living in India and abroad and also pay tributes to all those who made our freedom a reality.”
#WATCH | Mumbai: maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, “I congratulate all Indians living in India and abroad and also pay tributes to all those who made our freedom a reality…” https://t.co/J18o7u9eYF pic.twitter.com/NbGUB3fIov
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
9:00 am: Jammu: In Jammu, IG BSF, Jammu Frontier, DK Boora assured the nation of robust security arrangements along the international border for Independence Day. “On behalf of the BSF, I would like to assure all countrymen that our borders are safe,” Boora stated. He emphasized that all borders have been adequately manned and pledged that the BSF will stand guard to prevent any infiltration, ensuring that the nation continues to celebrate Independence Day with the same enthusiasm every year.
#WATCH | Jammu: On security arrangements along the international border on the occasion of Independence Day, IG BSF, Jammu Frontier, DK Boora says, “On behalf of the BSF, I would like to assure all the countrymen that our borders are safe… We have manned all borders and we will… pic.twitter.com/8NHCGp0XNc
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
8:26 am: Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Hoists National Flag for Independence Day 2024
#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde hoists the national flag on the occassion of #IndependenceDay2024 pic.twitter.com/Yr94GlaiCw
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
8:20 am: In Nagpur, Maharashtra, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat marked #IndependenceDay2024 by hoisting the national flag at the RSS Headquarters. The ceremony was held to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day.
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat hoists the national flag at RSS Headquarters on the occasion of #IndependenceDay2024 pic.twitter.com/xBIze95dKy
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
8:16 am: Former Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdullah Shahid, has extended his warm wishes to India on the occasion of #IndependenceDay2024. In a tweet, Shahid said, “Happy Independence Day, India! I wish Prime Minister Narendra Modi, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Government, and the warm and friendly people of India best wishes and prosperity on this joyous occasion. India has proven to be an ‘all-weather’ friend of the Maldives—our first and best responder during any crisis. An invaluable partner in our development journey, the people of Maldives continue to benefit from the generous development assistance and human resource development, and deeply cherish this relationship.”
8:113 am: DCP Shahdara, Surendra Chaudhary, addressed the security arrangements for Independence Day, stating, “Shahdara district, due to its proximity to the Red Fort and its interstate border, is a critical area to secure. We have deployed sufficient interstate forces to ensure safety. All necessary arrangements are in place, including surveillance of drones and kites. Kite flying has been banned until noon to maintain security.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On security arrangements for Independence Day, DCP Shahdara Surendra Chaudhary says, “Shahdara district has an interstate border and is also near the Red Fort hence it becomes a crucial place to secure. We have deployed adequate interstate forces… All the… pic.twitter.com/IJ1vOFrG8m
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
8:06 am: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma hoists the national flag at the Chief Minister’s Residence today to mark the occasion of Independence Day 2024. The ceremony was attended by senior officials and members of the community, celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day with pride and reverence.
#WATCH | Jaipur: Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma hoists the national flag at the CM’s Residence on the occasion of #IndependenceDay2024. pic.twitter.com/eijKkRfY1L
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 15, 2024
8:04 am: The Embassy of India in Japan held a flag hoisting ceremony today to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day. The event was attended by embassy officials and members of the Indian community in Japan, who gathered to honor the significance of the occasion and reflect on India’s journey to independence.
Flag hoisting ceremony at Embassy of India in Japan
to celebrate the 78th Independence Day(Photo source: Embassy of India in Japan) pic.twitter.com/ek3kIHJn5g
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
8:02 am:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoisted the national flag at his official residence in Delhi today as India celebrated its 78th Independence Day. The ceremony was marked by a solemn and patriotic atmosphere, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
8:00 am: Lal Chowk in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, was beautifully decked out as India marked its 78th Independence Day. The historic square in the heart of the city showcased vibrant decorations and festive preparations, reflecting the nation’s spirit of celebration and pride.
#WATCH | #IndependenceDay2024 | Lal Chowk in Jammu & Kashmir’s Srinagar is all decked up as India celebrates its 78th Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/SVmzg7iqdX
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
Also Read: Delhi Police Enhance Security on UP-Delhi Border for Independence Day
