On 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at the Red Fort in Delhi, during the official ceremony of India’s independence.

What exactly happened?

  • When India became independent on 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan was invited to perform at the Red Fort.
  • He played Raag Kaafi on his shehnai as the national flag was unfurled.
  • The audience included national leaders such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Why was this event historic?

  • It was the first Independence Day of India, marking the end of British rule after almost 200 years.
  • Bismillah Khan became one of the first Indians to musically greet the newly independent nation from the Red Fort.
  • His shehnai performance on that day turned the instrument into a powerful symbol of India’s freedom and cultural pride.

Quick classroom-style answer

If you need a short, exam-ready line:

  • He played the shehnai from the Red Fort, Delhi, on 15 August 1947.
  • The event was historic because it was performed on the occasion of India’s independence, making him the first to greet the nation with Raag Kaafi as the Indian flag was unfurled before the new leaders of free India.

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