Nagaland is gearing up to celebrate the 80th Independence Day along with the rest of the country, with the State-level ceremonial function scheduled to be held at the Nagaland Secretariat Plaza here at 9 a.m. on August 15.

The highlight of the State-level celebration will be the hoisting of the National Flag by the Chief Minister, followed by the presentation of the Guard of Honour by contingents of the State Police, paramilitary forces, Home Guards, Ex-Servicemen, NCC and other participating units.

Independence Day celebrations would also be held across the districts and sub-divisions, where Deputy Chief Ministers, Ministers, Advisors and respective ADCs/SDOs would hoist the National Flag and take the Rashtriya Salute.

Revised sequence for Vande Mataram and National Anthem

As per the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, this year’s Independence Day programmes will follow a specified sequence for the National Song “Vande Mataram” and the National Anthem.

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At the State-level function, upon the arrival of the Chief Minister at the venue, Vande Mataram will be sung, followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the National Anthem.

The Chief Minister would then deliver the Independence Day address, after which Vande Mataram would be sung again, followed by the National Anthem. The programme will thereafter feature the March Past and cultural and entertainment programmes.

The same sequence for Vande Mataram and the National Anthem will be followed during Independence Day programmes organised at the district and sub-division levels.

The Home Department has also clarified that when Vande Mataram is sung during the programmes, members of the audience are required to stand to attention, as they do during the National Anthem.

The Home Department, Government of Nagaland, has invited citizens to participate in the Independence Day celebrations at the State capital and in their respective districts and sub-divisions.

The State-level celebration at Kohima will also be streamed live on the official YouTube channel of the State Information & Public Relations Department, ‘DIPR Nagaland’, enabling citizens to watch the proceedings online.