Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign, which will be observed from 9 to 17 August. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has evolved into one of India’s largest public participation campaigns, encouraging citizens to hoist the National Flag and take part in activities celebrating patriotism, national unity and cultural heritage.
The launch took place in New Delhi in the presence of Randhir Jaiswal, Additional Secretary (XP) and Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, and Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
Addressing the media, Shekhawat said the campaign, which was introduced in 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, has become an annual national tradition with crores of people participating every Independence Day. He noted that Har Ghar Tiranga has expanded beyond a flag hoisting initiative into a nationwide movement supported by community events, cultural programmes, heritage activities and digital engagement.
The minister said the Tiranga symbolises India’s unity, pride and shared national identity while honouring the courage and sacrifices of those who served the nation. He added that this year’s campaign carries added significance as it commemorates 150 years of the National Song, Vande Mataram, bringing together two enduring symbols of India’s national spirit.
As part of the celebrations, mass renditions of Vande Mataram will be organised across the country. To encourage wider participation, the Ministry of Culture has developed a five step online tutorial to help citizens learn the correct rendition of the National Song. The tutorial will be available on the dedicated Har Ghar Tiranga portal. The popular Selfie with Tiranga feature will also include the lyrics and tune of Vande Mataram, while exhibitions organised under the campaign will showcase the song’s historical significance.
Shekhawat also announced the launch of SURYAPATH TIRANGA, a new initiative under the campaign that will symbolically connect Indian Missions around the world. The National Flag will be ceremonially hoisted in succession from the easternmost Indian Mission witnessing sunrise to missions further west, following the movement of daylight across the globe and highlighting the participation of the global Indian community in Independence Day celebrations.
The minister also announced that Partition Horrors Remembrance Day will be observed nationwide on 14 August. States and Union Territories will organize silent marches, exhibitions, documentary screenings and other commemorative events to remember those affected by the Partition of India. A dedicated quiz on the occasion has also been launched on the MyGov platform.
The Ministry of Culture will coordinate major programmes in Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar. In Delhi, the schedule includes a theatrical presentation by Sonam Kalra on 13 August, followed by a Partition exhibition, documentary screenings and a silent march on 14 August led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and other dignitaries.
Similar commemorative events, including exhibitions, documentary screenings and silent marches, will be organised in Kolkata and at district headquarters across West Bengal. In Amritsar, the programme will feature the theatrical performance Mittar Pyare Nu, presented by the Harpal Tiwana Centre, along with other commemorative events. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will lead the observance in the city.
The Ministry has invited citizens to actively participate in Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 by hoisting the National Flag, learning and singing Vande Mataram, joining community activities and paying tribute to the sacrifices that shaped India’s journey to Independence.
