Celebration of the 80th Independence Day of India

The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated in Washington, D.C. with a flag-hoisting ceremony held at India House on 15 August 2026. The Ambassador of India to the United States, Shri Vinay Kwatra, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India.

2. The ceremony commenced with the rendition of the National Song and the National Anthem. The Ambassador thereafter read out the address to the nation delivered by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of Independence Day.

3. A cultural programme featuring children of the Indian diaspora was organised to mark the occasion. Dancers from Dhoom Studio presented a spirited performance set to a medley of patriotic songs, and students of the Notes n' Beats Music School performed an orchestral rendition of the National Song, commemorating 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. The winners of the Viksit Bharat Painting Competition and the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, both organised by the Embassy, were felicitated during the celebrations.

4. The celebrations were held in observance of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and 'Surya Path Tiranga' campaigns of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Washington, D.C.
15 August 2026