Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2026, marking a first for Independence Day celebrations by featuring a rendering of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the complex. The event served as a centerpiece for the government’s ongoing year-long commemoration of the national song’s 150-year legacy, which began last November.
Integration of ‘Vande Mataram’ into Independence Day
The 80th Independence Day event introduced a new sequence to the traditional Red Fort ceremony. According to official accounts, an Army band performed the tune of ‘Vande Mataram’ while guests in attendance sang the song. This performance preceded the hoisting of the national flag by the Prime Minister and the subsequent recitation of the national anthem. Following the flag hoisting, the tricolour received a ‘Rashtriya Salute’, and Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters showered the venue with flower petals. One helicopter trooped the national flag, while the second displayed a flag depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.
Did You Know? ‘Vande Mataram’ was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875, and was later incorporated into Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 1882 novel, Anandamath.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, ‘Vande Mataram’ evolved from a literary hymn into a prominent rallying cry during the Indian freedom movement. The government noted that the chant was first used as a political slogan on August 7, 1905. The song was later set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, who first sang it at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta. In 1950, the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the work as India’s national song.
Future Commemorations
The year-long celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’ is likely to continue through the remainder of the designated period, as the government continues to highlight its role in the country’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote ‘Vande Mataram’?
The song was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.
When was ‘Vande Mataram’ adopted as the national song?
It was adopted as India’s national song by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.
Who first set ‘Vande Mataram’ to music?
The song was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, who also first sang it at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta.
How do you view the role of historical songs in shaping modern national celebrations?
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