NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday officially launched the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign. Slated to run from August 9 to 17, the initiative encourages citizens to hoist the National Flag and actively participate in activities celebrating patriotism, national unity, and India’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch event in New Delhi marked the fifth consecutive year of the Har Ghar Tiranga movement, which originated in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav banner. The ceremony was attended by Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
Addressing the media, Shekhawat noted that the initiative has evolved into one of the country’s largest public participation movements, transforming from a simple flag-hoisting exercise into a nationwide celebration of community and collective national identity.
Celebrating 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
This year’s campaign holds special historical significance as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram. To honor the milestone, the Ministry of Culture has integrated the National Song closely with the National Flag through several new initiatives:
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Mass Singing Events: Organized renditions of Vande Mataram will take place across the country.
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Online Tutorials: A dedicated five-step online tutorial has been launched on the Har Ghar Tiranga portal to help citizens learn the correct pronunciation and melody.
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Digital Engagement: The popular “Selfie with Tiranga” feature will now incorporate the lyrics and tune of the National Song, while local exhibitions will showcase its history.
‘SURYAPATH TIRANGA’: A Global Relay
Expanding the celebration globally, Shekhawat announced a new flagship initiative dubbed SURYAPATH TIRANGA.
Conceived as a symbolic global Tricolour relay, the initiative will mirror the path of daylight across the globe. Starting at sunrise at India’s easternmost diplomatic mission, the relay will continue westward across different time zones. Successive Indian Missions worldwide will ceremonially hoist the National Flag, showcasing the massive participation of the Indian diaspora and diplomatic missions in celebrating India’s Independence.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
As part of the wider Independence Day commemorations, the Government will observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14. The observance aims to remember the profound suffering and displacement caused by the Partition of India. A dedicated quiz on the subject has also been launched on the MyGov platform.
The Culture Ministry is coordinating major commemorative programmes across three key cities:
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New Delhi: A theatrical presentation by Sonam Kalra will be held on August 13. On August 14, an exhibition, documentary screening, and a silent march will be led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
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Kolkata: Commemorative events, including exhibitions and a silent march, will be hosted at the New Town Convention Centre, with similar observances at district headquarters across West Bengal.
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Amritsar: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will personally lead the observance. The programme will feature the theatrical performance Mittar Pyare Nu by the Harpal Tiwana Centre, alongside a documentary screening and a silent march.
Urging maximum participation, the Ministry invited all citizens to hoist the Tricolour with pride, sing Vande Mataram, and join the nation in remembering the immense sacrifices that shaped India’s journey to freedom.
