Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a heartfelt tribute, sharing a video of herself playing the national anthem’s tune on a violin. Posting the clip on Instagram, the ace shooter wrote, “An attempt to play the tune that is closest to my heart this Independence Day. Each time I represent India, I wish to stand on the podium and listen to this. Generally, we sit and play the violin, but this time subconsciously, we stood up while playing the National Anthem. It's the admiration for our nation that cannot be put into words. Jai Hind!”<h2>See the video here:&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Each time I represent India, I wish to stand on the podium and listen to this. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/YHGLqdu2e4">pic.twitter.com/YHGLqdu2e4</a>&mdash; Manu Bhaker🇮🇳 (@realmanubhaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmanubhaker/status/1956229807651610872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At the Paris Olympics last year, Bhaker scripted history by opening India’s medal tally, winning bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event — becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She followed it up with another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, India’s first-ever Olympic shooting team medal.&nbsp;In her final event, the women’s 25m pistol, she narrowly missed a historic treble, finishing fourth. A third medal would have made her the first Indian to win three medals at a single Olympics. Her Paris success was especially sweet after a heartbreaking Tokyo 2021 campaign, where equipment malfunction derailed her medal hopes. In the 10m air pistol qualifiers, a gun malfunction cost her valuable time, leaving her 12th and out of the final. She also finished 15th in the 25m pistol and seventh in the mixed team event.&nbsp;Beyond the Olympics, Bhaker has consistently brought glory to India. She struck gold in the 25m pistol team event at the 2023 Baku Shooting World Championships, adding to her silver from the 2022 edition. At the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, she clinched 10m air pistol gold, and at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, she again topped the podium in the 25m pistol team event. Her career tally boasts 20 ISSF World Cup medals — 13 gold, three silver, and four bronze — alongside four Asian Championship golds, a silver, and two bronze medals.

WATCH | On India’s 79th Independence Day, Manu Bhaker plays national anthem on violin

Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a heartfelt tribute, sharing a video of herself playing the national anthem’s tune on a violin. Posting the clip on Instagram, the ace shooter wrote, “An attempt to play the tune that is closest to my heart this Independence Day. Each time I represent India, I wish to stand on the podium and listen to this. Generally, we sit and play the violin, but this time subconsciously, we stood up while playing the National Anthem. It's the admiration for our nation that cannot be put into words. Jai Hind!” See the video here:

Manu, received the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for securing two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics in the 10m women’s air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event (partnering with Sarabjot Singh),

India is all set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to hoist the Indian national flag at the iconic Red Fort on Friday (August 15). This year, the air is charged with patriotism, fraternity and a strong sense of unity; sentiments amplified by the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Armed Forces. The celebrations will carry the operation’s theme, from floral decorations to the official logo displayed along the Gyanpath.&nbsp;While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted, while January 26 witnesses it unfurled.<h2>Why hoisting on Independence Day?</h2>Independence Day marks the moment India became free from British colonial rule in 1947. On this day (Aug 15), the prime minister hoists the flag by raising it from the base of the pole to the top, symbolising the nation’s hard-earned freedom and the birth of a sovereign country. The act of pulling the flag upward from a lower position reflects India’s journey from colonial control to self-rule.&nbsp;The national anthem accompanies the ceremony and includes a guard of honour by the armed forces, a parade, and speeches celebrating the nation’s progress.<h2>Why unfurling on Republic Day</h2>Republic Day, on the other hand, celebrates the day in 1950 when India’s own Constitution came into effect, turning the country into a democratic republic. By this time, the nation was already free, so the flag isn’t raised from the base. Instead, it is kept folded at the top of the pole and unfurled by the President of India.&nbsp;This distinction carries symbolic weight, while hoisting represents the rise from colonial rule, unfurling reflects the pride of an established democratic republic. The Republic Day ceremony is a grand spectacle, featuring the iconic parade along Kartavya Path, cultural performances and a display of India’s military strength.&nbsp;In short, August 15 is about the journey to freedom, and January 26 is about the strength of self-governance. Both days honour the tricolour in different ways.&nbsp;

While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted while January 26 witnesses it unfurled.

India is all set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to hoist the Indian national flag at the iconic Red Fort on Friday (August 15). This year, the air is charged with patriotism, fraternity and a strong sense of unity; sentiments amplified by the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Armed Forces. The celebrations will carry the operation’s theme, from floral decorations to the official logo displayed along the Gyanpath. While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted, while January 26 witnesses it unfurled. Why hoisting on Independence Day? Independence Day marks the moment India became free from British colonial rule in 1947. On this day (Aug 15), the prime minister hoists the flag by raising it from the base of the pole to the top, symbolising the nation’s hard-earned freedom and the birth of a sovereign country. The act of pulling the flag upward from a lower position reflects India’s journey from colonial control to self-rule. The national anthem accompanies the ceremony and includes a guard of honour by the armed forces, a parade, and speeches celebrating the nation’s progress. Why unfurling on Republic Day Republic Day, on the other hand, celebrates the day in 1950 when India’s own Constitution came into effect, turning the country into a democratic republic. By this time, the nation was already free, so the flag isn’t raised from the base. Instead, it is kept folded at the top of the pole and unfurled by the President of India. This distinction carries symbolic weight, while hoisting represents the rise from colonial rule, unfurling reflects the pride of an established democratic republic. The Republic Day ceremony is a grand spectacle, featuring the iconic parade along Kartavya Path, cultural performances and a display of India’s military strength. In short, August 15 is about the journey to freedom, and January 26 is about the strength of self-governance. Both days honour the tricolour in different ways.

While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted, while January 26 witnesses it unfurled.

Why is the Indian tricolour hoisted on August 15 and unfurled on January 26

The Central government on Wednesday (August 14) announced ‘Naya Bharat’, the theme for the 79th Independence Day on August 15. The theme reflects India’s ambition to build a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation as it moves toward the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag at the Red Fort on August 15 and deliver the address.&nbsp;This year, the coordinating organisation of the national event is the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will include a ceremonial Guard of Honour, 21-gun salute, and a special flypast with the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. Upon the arrival of the Red Fort, PM Modi will be welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.&nbsp;Next, the PM will be introduced to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Delhi Area, who will accompany him to the Saluting Base to receive the general salute and Guard of Honour inspection. The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, will consist of 96 personnel, one officer and 24 from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Delhi Police.&nbsp;Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, Modi will move to the ramparts, where he will be received by the Chiefs of the three services and the Defence Chief of Staff. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will be helping the prime minister in raising the tricolour, which will synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.&nbsp;Once hoisted, the tricolour will be given a 'Rashtriya Salute'. The Air Force band of one JCO and 25 other ranks will render the national anthem. Following the flower shower, the prime minister will deliver a speech. On completion of his address, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will render the National Anthem. As many as 2,500 boy and girl cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will take part in the celebration. These cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers will be sitting on Gyanpath, facing the Rampart. They will be forming the 'Naya Bharat' logo.&nbsp;In order to generate patriotic enthusiasm among people and to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, there will be a series of band performances pan-India for the first time on the eve of Independence Day celebrations. These performances will be done by Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles bands at more than 140 major locations across the country.&nbsp;Around 5,000 special guests from various segments of society have been invited to witness the festivities at the Red Fort this year. More than 1,500 individuals from various states/Union Territories in traditional dress have also been invited to see the grand procession.

79th Independence Day: ‘Naya Bharat’ to take centre stage; PM Modi to address at Red Fort

The Central government on Wednesday (August 14) announced ‘Naya Bharat’, the theme for the 79th Independence Day on August 15. The theme reflects India’s ambition to build a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation as it moves toward the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag at the Red Fort on August 15 and deliver the address. This year, the coordinating organisation of the national event is the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will include a ceremonial Guard of Honour, 21-gun salute, and a special flypast with the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. Upon the arrival of the Red Fort, PM Modi will be welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Next, the PM will be introduced to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Delhi Area, who will accompany him to the Saluting Base to receive the general salute and Guard of Honour inspection. The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, will consist of 96 personnel, one officer and 24 from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Delhi Police. Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, Modi will move to the ramparts, where he will be received by the Chiefs of the three services and the Defence Chief of Staff. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will be helping the prime minister in raising the tricolour, which will synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Once hoisted, the tricolour will be given a 'Rashtriya Salute'. The Air Force band of one JCO and 25 other ranks will render the national anthem. Following the flower shower, the prime minister will deliver a speech. On completion of his address, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will render the National Anthem. As many as 2,500 boy and girl cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will take part in the celebration. These cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers will be sitting on Gyanpath, facing the Rampart. They will be forming the 'Naya Bharat' logo. In order to generate patriotic enthusiasm among people and to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, there will be a series of band performances pan-India for the first time on the eve of Independence Day celebrations. These performances will be done by Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles bands at more than 140 major locations across the country. Around 5,000 special guests from various segments of society have been invited to witness the festivities at the Red Fort this year. More than 1,500 individuals from various states/Union Territories in traditional dress have also been invited to see the grand procession.

On August 15, PM Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort and address the nation

As India gears up to mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, various government and private services will remain shut for a day or two. Now, the confusion lies ahead in which of these particular facilities will be open or will be closed, such as banks, stock markets, schools, colleges, transport activities, markets, trains, metros, and flights.&nbsp;Independence Day is a gazetted public holiday, meaning all national, state, and local government offices will remain shut across the country. Other than this, several services will not be open on this day.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2025-when-and-where-to-watch-parade-pm-modi-s-speech-live-know-here-1755164919357">Independence Day 2025: When and where to watch parade, PM Modi’s speech live - Know here</a><h3>What will be closed on Independence Day?</h3><ul><li>Government and private banks</li><li>Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions</li><li>Stock markets</li><li>Non-scheduled flights</li><li>Markets (Partially)</li><li>All liquor outlets</li></ul><h3>What will operate/remain open on Independence Day?</h3><ul><li>Public transport (Bus, train, metro and others)</li><li>Flights</li><li>Cultural &amp; flag events</li><li>Police stations</li><li>Hospitals</li><li>Fire department</li></ul>Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of Independence Day. Amid this, extensive police have been deployed with advanced surveillance systems and stringent checks on railways, metros, and airports to ensure safety as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort.&nbsp;High-tech surveillance measures include facial recognition tools, under-vehicle scanning, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and anti-drone systems. In addition, drone detection, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks have been deployed at the designated parking areas near the Red Fort to detect explosives, weapons, or contraband.&nbsp;As per India TV, snipers have also been deployed on high-rise buildings, and authorities have banned flying objects in the area during the celebrations, India TV reported.&nbsp;The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has intensified its security at New Delhi Railway Station by conducting round-the-clock patrols with dog squads.

On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, several services in India will remain closed for a day. Check out the details to find out what will remain open and closed.

As India gears up to mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, various government and private services will remain shut for a day or two. Now, the confusion lies ahead in which of these particular facilities will be open or will be closed, such as banks, stock markets, schools, colleges, transport activities, markets, trains, metros, and flights. Independence Day is a gazetted public holiday, meaning all national, state, and local government offices will remain shut across the country. Other than this, several services will not be open on this day. Also read: Independence Day 2025: When and where to watch parade, PM Modi’s speech live - Know here What will be closed on Independence Day? Government and private banks Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions Stock markets Non-scheduled flights Markets (Partially) All liquor outlets What will operate/remain open on Independence Day? Public transport (Bus, train, metro and others) Flights Cultural & flag events Police stations Hospitals Fire department Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of Independence Day. Amid this, extensive police have been deployed with advanced surveillance systems and stringent checks on railways, metros, and airports to ensure safety as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort. High-tech surveillance measures include facial recognition tools, under-vehicle scanning, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and anti-drone systems. In addition, drone detection, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks have been deployed at the designated parking areas near the Red Fort to detect explosives, weapons, or contraband. As per India TV, snipers have also been deployed on high-rise buildings, and authorities have banned flying objects in the area during the celebrations, India TV reported. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has intensified its security at New Delhi Railway Station by conducting round-the-clock patrols with dog squads.

On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, several services in India will remain closed for a day. Check out the details to find out what will remain open and closed.

Independence Day 2025: What is open and what's closed on August 15?

Like every year, this year also on August 15, commemorating Independence Day, the historic Red Fort in Delhi will host the iconic flag hoisting ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the flag hoisting, PM Modi will give a speech from the Lal Quila, followed by a spectacular parade that fills the air with patriotism and pride.&nbsp;If someone has dreamed of experiencing this grand live event in person, including the parade along with PM Modi's speech and flag hoisting, then follow these steps to book your seat online through the official government portal to enjoy the celebrations.<ul><li>Visit the official website: aamantran.mod.gov.in.</li><li>Look at the option ‘Online Ticket Booking for Independence Day 2025’ on the homepage.</li><li>Click on the link, then fill in all your relevant details—name, contact number, and the number of tickets you want.</li><li>Now, upload your photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, or another valid ID) for verification.</li><li>Then choose your ticket out of three categories priced at Rs 20, Rs 100, and Rs 500.</li><li>Complete payment securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.</li><li>Download your e-ticket and keep a printed or digital copy handy for entry.</li></ul>After booking the ticket, reach the venue before the given time, as traffic could lead to you being delayed in attending the event.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-exploring-its-history-theme-and-importance-1754988009693">Independence Day 2025: Exploring its history, theme, and national importance</a><h3>When to watch parade and PM Modi's speech?</h3>Event Date: Friday, August 15, 2025Time: Around 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST)&nbsp;The event starts with official greetings, followed by a 21-gun salute, then a ceremonial flag hoisting by the prime minister, and later by the singing of the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” After all this procedure, PM Modi will give a speech to the nation, and then the parade will start.<h3>Where to watch parade and PM Modi's speech?</h3>If someone couldn't get a ticket to watch the event live, then he/she can watch the live telecast of the Independence Day celebrations by tuning into Doordarshan (DD National) or other media.&nbsp;One can also visit the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) YouTube channel and the PMO's official YouTube page to watch the parade and listen to PM Modi's speech.&nbsp;Link here:<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHPepCanEug"></oembed></figure>

Celebrate the 79th Independence Day of India in 2025 by witnessing the grand flag hoisting and parade at the Red Fort of Delhi. Know when and where to watch the parade and the live speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Like every year, this year also on August 15, commemorating Independence Day, the historic Red Fort in Delhi will host the iconic flag hoisting ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the flag hoisting, PM Modi will give a speech from the Lal Quila, followed by a spectacular parade that fills the air with patriotism and pride. If someone has dreamed of experiencing this grand live event in person, including the parade along with PM Modi's speech and flag hoisting, then follow these steps to book your seat online through the official government portal to enjoy the celebrations. Visit the official website: aamantran.mod.gov.in. Look at the option ‘Online Ticket Booking for Independence Day 2025’ on the homepage. Click on the link, then fill in all your relevant details—name, contact number, and the number of tickets you want. Now, upload your photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, or another valid ID) for verification. Then choose your ticket out of three categories priced at Rs 20, Rs 100, and Rs 500. Complete payment securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. Download your e-ticket and keep a printed or digital copy handy for entry. After booking the ticket, reach the venue before the given time, as traffic could lead to you being delayed in attending the event. Also read: Independence Day 2025: Exploring its history, theme, and national importance When to watch parade and PM Modi's speech? Event Date: Friday, August 15, 2025 Time: Around 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) The event starts with official greetings, followed by a 21-gun salute, then a ceremonial flag hoisting by the prime minister, and later by the singing of the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” After all this procedure, PM Modi will give a speech to the nation, and then the parade will start. Where to watch parade and PM Modi's speech? If someone couldn't get a ticket to watch the event live, then he/she can watch the live telecast of the Independence Day celebrations by tuning into Doordarshan (DD National) or other media. One can also visit the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) YouTube channel and the PMO's official YouTube page to watch the parade and listen to PM Modi's speech. Link here:

Celebrate the 79th Independence Day of India in 2025 by witnessing the grand flag hoisting and parade at the Red Fort of Delhi. Know when and where to watch the parade and the live speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Independence Day 2025: When and where to watch parade, PM Modi’s speech live - Know here

The story of how these paths diverged is also a story of governance, vision, and priorities, one that underscores how national choices made after independence have shaped their place among the stars.

India’s 79th Independence Day 2025: How India surpassed Pakistan in the space race

First tested in 2013, the Nirbhay’s journey has been more rigorous but also more ambitious, placing India firmly ahead in subsonic cruise missile capability.

Independence Day 2025: India’s Nirbhay vs Pakistan’s Fatah IV and why India’s missile holds the edge