From Flag hoisting to Swachh Bharat drives: What’s planned for Independence Day 2025

India is set to celebrate Independence Day with ceremonies from the Red Fort to villages. The Centre has issued detailed plans, honouring everyday heroes and launching campaigns like tree plantations and cleanliness drives, ensuring nationwide participation in the festivities

Hyderabad: The nation is gearing up for vibrant Independence Day celebrations across all levels—from the Red Fort to village panchayats. The Union Government has issued detailed guidelines to ensure that the celebrations are inclusive and honour citizens who have made significant contributions to society.

The main ceremony will take place at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. It will begin with a Guard of Honour for the Prime Minister by the Armed Forces and Delhi Police. This will be followed by the unfurling of the National Flag, singing of the National Anthem, and a 21-gun salute. Indian Air Force helicopters will shower flower petals from the skies. After the Prime Minister’s address to the nation, the ceremony will conclude with the release of tri-coloured balloons.

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An “At Home” reception will also be hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Celebrations Across States and Districts. The celebrations will extend to every state and district.

State Capitals: Chief Ministers will hoist the National Flag and deliver public addresses. These events will include a Guard of Honour by state police and cultural performances under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme. Delegates from five other states or Union Territories will participate in food and cultural events.

District Headquarters: The Flag will be unfurled by a Minister, Commissioner, or District Magistrate. Parades by state police will follow, along with public addresses. A special Swachh Bharat campaign will also be held at key public locations.

Sub-Divisions and Blocks: Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Block Development Officers will lead the flag hoisting and public functions.

Panchayats and Villages: At the village level, Sarpanches or Gram Pradhans will hoist the National Flag and address their communities.

Honouring Citizens and Launch of Campaigns: 
This year, a special focus is on honouring ordinary citizens for their extraordinary efforts. At the At Home receptions in Raj Bhavans and Lieutenant Governors’ residences, special invitees will include Divyangjans, eco-warriors, Swachhagrahis, Padma awardees, families of martyrs, frontline workers, and those who made notable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each event will have 25 to 50 reserved invitations for such achievers.

Patriotic music by bands will be a highlight, with school band competitions selecting the performers.

Nationwide campaigns will also accompany the celebrations. A two-week Swachh Bharat campaign will be launched, involving youth groups and students. A large-scale tree plantation drive will be conducted by government bodies and educational institutions. Around 142 locations across the country will host band performances to add a festive note to the celebrations.