Independence Day 2026: President Droupadi Murmu’s Address — When and Where to Watch

Independence Day 2026: When and Where to Watch President Murmu’s Address

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, marking 79 years since the country gained independence from British rule in 1947. The national occasion is celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and patriotic events across the country.

The main celebrations will take place at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, where the Prime Minister will hoist the national flag and address the nation.

The Independence Day celebrations begin a day earlier with the President’s address to the nation. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to deliver her Independence Day-eve address on Friday, August 14, at 7 PM IST.

President Murmu’s Address: Date and Time

• Date: August 14, 2026
• Day: Friday
• Time: 7 PM IST
• Occasion: Independence Day-eve

The national broadcast will be aired first in Hindi, followed by the English version.

Where to Watch the Address

Television:
President Murmu’s address will be telecast on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels. Regional networks will subsequently broadcast versions in regional languages.

Radio:
The address will be available on Akashvani (All India Radio), with Hindi and English broadcasts followed by regional-language versions on regional networks.

Online:
Viewers can follow the address through the official NewsOnAir app, Akashvani’s digital platforms and official Doordarshan and government channels.

Those watching online should rely on verified public broadcaster and government platforms to avoid unofficial or misleading livestreams.

What Will President Murmu Say?

The Independence Day-eve address traditionally focuses on India’s progress, key challenges and priorities, while remembering the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.

In previous years, President Murmu has spoken about economic development, social progress, women’s participation, democratic institutions and constitutional values. Her 2024 address also focused on the freedom struggle and remembered the victims of Partition.

Her 2025 address reflected on India’s journey since Independence and highlighted the country’s economic and social progress.

The specific themes, announcements and key messages of the 2026 address will be known only after President Murmu delivers her speech.

Independence Day Celebrations on August 15

India will observe its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026.

The President’s address will take place on August 14, while the Prime Minister will lead the main Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort the following morning. The event will include the traditional flag hoisting and the Prime Minister’s address to the nation.

President Murmu’s Independence Day-eve address can be watched from 7 PM on August 14.