80th Independence Day Celebrations in Bhutan

Press Release

Celebrations of the 80th Independence Day in Bhutan

The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated with patriotic fervour at a ceremony held at India House on 15 August 2026. Ambassador of India to Bhutan Shri Sandeep Arya unfurled the tricolor at the India House, along with rendition of National Song, and the National Anthem.

1. The Ambassador read out the President's Address to the Nation. Ambassador underlined the 150^th anniversary year of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' which galvanized India's freedom struggle. The National Song was sung at the function to mark the occasion. Teacher of Indian Culture at Nehru Wangchuck Cultural Center, Thimphu also presented a musical performance on the occasion.

1. The ceremony was followed by a musical performance by "North East Breeze," a renowned folk-rock and fusion band from India led by Mr. Rupam Bhuyan, supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Marking the 150^th anniversary of the National Song, the participants and 'Vande Mataram' on the occasion.

1. The Embassy also participated in the Suryapath Tiranga, a global flag hoisting relay with participation of 53 other Indian Embassies around the world. Suryapath Tiranga is a symbolic global relay in which the National Flag will be ceremonially hoisted across Indian Missions around the world, from east to west, carrying the spirit of India and its timeless symbol of unity, pride and shared identity.

1. The ceremony was graced by distinguished representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, including Dasho Ugyen K Namgyel, Gyalpoi Zimpon to His Majesty The King of Bhutan along with the Cabinet Secretary Dasho Kesang Deki, Foreign Secretary Dasho Pema Lektup Dorji, Chief of Protocol Ugen Chuzom; Lt Gen Mohit Seth, Commandant, IMTRAT, and Brigadier J.S. Dhadwal, Chief Engineer, Project DANTAK, demonstrating the close ties between the two nations. Hundreds of Indian nationals also attended the colourful celebrations. The event witnessed participation from over 1500 guests, including members of the Indian community and friends of India in Bhutan.

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Thimphu, 26 January 2026