For the first time in history, Vande Mataram sung fully in Red Fort; helicopter showering flowers also had written Vande Mataram

NEW DELHI: The national song Vande Matara was sung fully at the 80th Independence Day celebrations held at the Red Fort. This is reportedly the first time that Vande Mataram has been sung during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, was sung after Vande Mataram. The performance was part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

In front of the Red Fort, Vande Mataram was also written in Hindi using flowers. The Army band subsequently sung Vande Mataram as well. One of the M-17 helicopters that showered flowers carried a flag bearing Vande Mataram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort at around 7:30 Saturday morning. This was followed by a 21-gun ceremonial salute. Addressing the nation as part of the Independence Day celebrations, Modi began his speech by remembering the freedom fighters. He listed the various achievements made by the country and said that Viksit Bharat (Developed India) would become a reality by 2047.