From Mughal Palace to National Symbol: The Red Fort’s Role in Independence Day

The Red Fort’s transformation from a royal palace to the focal point of India’s independence celebrations mirrors the country’s own evolution. UNESCO records the fort as a heritage site that has borne witness to shifting regimes—from Shah Jahan’s imperial capital to British military headquarters, and finally to the sovereign Indian state. The decision to keep the flag‑hoisting ceremony at this venue was formalised shortly after independence, cementing the idea that power now rests with the people rather than a foreign empire. Each year, after the flag is raised, a national anthem and a formal salute follow, after which the Prime Minister addresses the nation, outlining achievements, challenges, and future policy directions.