Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today launched the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign in New Delhi, which will be observed across the country from 9 to 17 August 2026. The campaign, which has evolved into one of India's largest public participation movements, calls upon citizens to proudly hoist the National Flag and participate in a wide range of activities celebrating the spirit of patriotism and national unity. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, additional Secretary (XP) and official spokesperson, Ministry of External affairs and  Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member secretary, IGNCA were also present at the occasion.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Union Minister  of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, which  began in 2022 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has become an annual national tradition, with crores of citizens voluntarily hoisting the National Flag every Independence Day. He added that Har Ghar Tiranga has grown beyond a flag-hoisting campaign into a nationwide celebration driven by community participation, cultural programmes, heritage activities and digital engagement.

The Minister also said that Har Ghar Tiranga has today become a true people's movement, celebrated across the country with immense enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. He noted that the Tiranga is far more than a national flag; it is a symbol of India's unity, honour and collective national identity. The Tricolour, he said, represents the courage and sacrifices of countless brave men and women who have defended the nation and laid down their lives in its service. Emphasising that the Tiranga inspires every Indian irrespective of region or section of society, Shri Shekhawat said the campaign provides an opportunity for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He further noted that this year's Har Ghar Tiranga campaign assumes added significance as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, making the celebrations even more meaningful and inspiring greater public participation.

This year's campaign is dedicated to 150 years of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, bringing together the National Flag and the National Song in a unique celebration of patriotism. Mass singing of Vande Mataram will form an integral part of Har Ghar Tiranga celebrations across the country. To help citizens learn the correct rendition of the National Song, the Ministry of Culture has developed a five-step online tutorial, which will be available on the dedicated website as well as the Har Ghar Tiranga portal. The Selfie with Tiranga feature this year will incorporate the lyrics and tune of Vande Mataram, while Har Ghar Tiranga exhibitions will also showcase the history of the National Song.

The Minister also announced the launch of SURYAPATH TIRANGA, a flagship initiative under Har Ghar Tiranga 2026. Conceived as a symbolic global Tiranga relay, the initiative will follow the path of the rising sun. Beginning from the easternmost Indian Mission or Post witnessing sunrise, the National Flag will be ceremonially hoisted in succession from east to west, symbolically travelling with daylight across the globe. The initiative highlights the participation of Indian Missions and the global Indian community in celebrating India's Independence.

As part of the Independence Day commemorations, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day will be observed across the country on 14 August to remember the suffering and displacement caused by the Partition of India. Silent marches, exhibitions on Partition, documentary screenings and other commemorative programmes will be organised across States and Union Territories. A dedicated quiz on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is also live on the MyGov platform.

The Ministry of Culture will coordinate major observances in Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar. In Delhi, a theatrical presentation by Sonam Kalra will be organised on 13th August, followed on 14th August by an exhibition on Partition, documentary screenings and a silent march led by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Lieutenant Governor Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu and other dignitaries. In Kolkata, programmes at the New Town Convention Centre will include an exhibition, documentary screening and silent march, with similar observances to be organised at district headquarters across the State. In Amritsar, the observance will feature the theatrical performance Mittar Pyare Nu by the Harpal Tiwana Centre, along with an exhibition, documentary screening and silent march. Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will lead the observance in Amritsar.

The Ministry of Culture has invited citizens to actively participate in Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 by hoisting the National Flag with pride, learning and singing Vande Mataram, participating in community activities and joining the nation in remembering the sacrifices that shaped India's journey to Independence.

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M Annadurai

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