India marks 80th Independence Day with Red Fort celebrations

India's 80th Independence Day was marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural events across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at Red Fort in New Delhi, assisted by Capt Sonia Singh Chauhan, synchronised with a 21-gun salute, as Times of India reports. For the first time, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram were rendered at the venue, coinciding with the national song's 150th anniversary. Nearly 5,000 special guests attended, including beneficiaries of government schemes.

In Gurugram, Haryana assembly deputy speaker Krishan Lal Middha unfurled the national flag at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, with seven contingents parading before him, Hindustan Times reports. School students presented cultural programmes including Vande Mataram and folk dances. Sub-divisional flag-hoisting was held in Sohna, Pataudi, Manesar and Badshahpur.

Hyderabad saw large gatherings with a 500-metre-long Tiranga rally in Shaikpet, a cycling rally on the Outer Ring Road, and a mega health camp in Jubilee Hills, New Indian Express reports. An opinion piece from the same outlet reflects on how the day's celebrations have evolved from school assemblies to adult observance as a holiday and on social media.