The iconic Red Fort in the national Capital was all decked up in tricolours, flowers and murals showcasing the key events that led up to India's freedom on Monday. To mark the celebration, flower petals were showered by MI-17 helicopters for the first time at the Red Fort just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech.
The entrance of the Red Fort was guarded by two mechanised elephants — operated by a man sitting inside each of them — which became a big draw for people who were seen clicking selfies with them after the programme ended.
A bunch of tricolour balloons were also released in the air from the Red Fort, after the Prime Minister's speech ended. For the first time in 75 years, an indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS were used during the 21-gun salute at the Red Fort. Decorative scrolls depicting portraits of several freedom fighters from across India and the country's cultural and natural heritage were displayed on the walls of the Red Fort
The spectators were filled with enthusiasm when the Prime minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Red Fort and unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort. PM Modi stayed consistent with a white safa with tricolour stripes and a long trail as his headgear. Donning a traditional kurta and churidar paired with a blue jacket and black shoes Before he arrived at Red Fort, PM paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Prime Minister examined the inter-services and police Guard of Honour as he arrived at the Red Fort on Monday to deliver his ninth consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the iconic monument.
He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt. The Guard of Honour contingent for the PM consisted of one officer and 20 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. Indian Air Force is the coordinating service.
The Guard of Honour was commanded by Wing Commander Kunal Khanna. The Air Force Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard was commanded by Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh, the Army contingent by Major Vikas Sangwan and the Naval contingent by Lt Commander Avinash Kumar. The Delhi Police contingent was commanded by Additional DCP (East Delhi) Achin Garg.
After unfurling the national flag, PM Modi delivered his ninth consecutive speech, which lasted for nearly 83 minutes (1 hour and 23 minutes).