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

Independence Day 2026: President Droupadi Murmu’s Address — Date, Time and Where to Watch

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

The main Independence Day celebrations will be held at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, where the Prime Minister will hoist the national flag and deliver the traditional address to the nation.

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

The annual address provides an opportunity to reflect on India’s journey since Independence, the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and the country’s democratic and constitutional values.

President Murmu’s Address: Date and Time

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

The national broadcast will begin with the Hindi version, followed by the English version.

Where to Watch President Murmu’s Address

On television:
The address will be broadcast on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels. Regional Doordarshan networks are expected to carry versions of the address in regional languages.

On radio:
Listeners can tune in to Akashvani (All India Radio) for the Hindi and English broadcasts. Regional Akashvani networks will subsequently carry translated versions.

Online and on mobile:
The address can also be followed through the official NewsOnAir app and Akashvani’s digital platforms. Official Doordarshan and government digital channels may also stream the broadcast.

Viewers looking for an online livestream should rely on verified government and public broadcaster platforms rather than unofficial streams.

What to Expect From the Address

The President’s Independence Day-eve address traditionally reflects on India’s achievements, challenges and future priorities while remembering the contributions of freedom fighters and citizens.

In previous addresses, President Murmu has highlighted India’s development, economic progress, social inclusion, women’s participation, democracy and constitutional values. Her 2024 address also reflected on the freedom struggle and remembered the victims of Partition on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

In her 2025 address, she spoke about India’s progress since Independence and touched on economic and social development as well as the country’s democratic journey.

The key themes and any announcements from the 2026 address will be known after the President delivers her speech. Specific quotes or highlights should therefore be added only after the official address and transcript are available.

When Is Independence Day 2026?

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

President Murmu’s address will be delivered a day earlier, on August 14. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister will lead the main national celebrations at the Red Fort, including the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony and address to the nation.

For viewers planning to watch the President’s address, the key detail is 7 PM on August 14.