Washington DC: India’s 80th Independence Day was celebrated at India House in Washington, D.C., with Ambassador Vinay Kwatra hoisting the national flag in the presence of members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India on Aug. 15.
The ceremony began with the rendition of the National Song and the National Anthem. Kwatra then read President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation, delivered on the eve of Independence Day.
The Tiranga rises from our shores at the break of dawn. Over to @eoilima to continue this historic journey of #SuryapathTiranga.
Carry the Indian Tricolour from one sunrise to the next, and inspire Indians to spread the fervour of #HarGharTiranga.@PIB_India @mygovindia… pic.twitter.com/WEE2vLTM1e
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) August 15, 2026
The celebrations also featured cultural performances by children from the Indian diaspora. Dancers from Dhoom Studio performed a medley of patriotic songs, while students from Notes n’ Beats Music School presented an orchestral rendition of “Vande Mataram,” marking 150 years of the iconic national song.
The embassy also felicitated the winners of the Viksit Bharat Painting Competition and the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, both organised as part of its outreach initiatives.
The celebrations were held in line with the Indian government’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” and “Surya Path Tiranga” campaigns, which seek to encourage public participation in commemorating the national flag and India’s Independence Day.
