India, Aug. 16 -- In a first for Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' was rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary of the historic occasion on August 15. It was followed by the customary 'Jana Gana Mana', the National Anthem.

The mega function commemorates 150 years of the enduring legacy of the national song, 'Vande Mataram', as floral decoration on the ramparts depicted the national flag at the centre, flanked by 'Vande Mataram' in Hindi.

As Prime Minister Modi hoisted the National Flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, the ceremony was synchronised with a 21-gun salute fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns. Following the flag hoisting, the Army band...