NEW DELHI — India entered the final stretch of preparations on Thursday for its 79th Independence Day, with full-dress parade rehearsals held at the Red Fort in Delhi and in Guwahati. The Ministry of Defence oversaw the drills as security and logistics were finalised for the August 15 celebrations.

Marching contingents, cultural troupes and schoolchildren went through their routines, following earlier practice runs during the week. Civil and police authorities checked crowd-management arrangements at central venues, including a rehearsal in Guwahati reported on August 12.

The Prime Minister traditionally addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, following the hoisting of the national flag. State capitals, including Guwahati's Khanapara and Chachal grounds, hold parallel functions led by governors and chief ministers, according to state government announcements.

Delhi Police confirmed enhanced security measures around the capital, with traffic diversions and restrictions expected near the Red Fort on the day of the event. Assam government officials said arrangements were being coordinated with local administration and cultural bodies for the state-level celebration.

The rehearsals form part of an annual sequence culminating in the flag-hoisting ceremony, when the country marks its independence from British rule in 1947. Schools, government offices and residents' associations across India planned their own observances alongside the official events.