- On August 15, 2026, India’s national song Vande Mataram will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort — a historical first for the song.
- The rendition marks the completion of 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay penned Vande Mataram in the literary magazine *Bangadarshan* as part of his novel *Anandamath*; it will feature before the National Anthem.
- The move gains significance with the Act that criminalises intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the National Song Vande Mataram, giving it the same legal protection as the National Anthem; the Act mandates rendition of all six stanzas at public gatherings, schools, and official government functions, and it is to be rendered prior to Jana Gana Mana on all occasions when both are played.
- Announced on August 10, 2026 by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, 2,500 NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers will form the words ‘Vande Mataram’ on Gyanpath opposite the Red Fort ramparts, and an IAF Mi-17 helicopter will shower petals and display a banner marking 150 years.
- Bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, Assam Rifles, Integrated Defence Staff and Railway Protection Force have been issued instructions: a roll of drums must precede the National Song’s rendition, starting slowly, ascending to full volume, then decreasing to original softness but remaining audible; after a beat’s rest, the song is played.
On August 15, 2026, Vande Mataram will be sung from the Red Fort, marking a historic first for India's national song. This event celebrates 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay penned the song in *Bangadarshan* as part of his novel *Anandamath*.
The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced that 2,500 NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers will form the words 'Vande Mataram' on Gyanpath, opposite the Red Fort ramparts. An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter will shower petals over the gathering and display a banner commemorating the song's 150th anniversary.
The significance of this event is heightened by a recent law that criminalizes the disruption of Vande Mataram's rendition, granting it the same legal protection as the National Anthem. The Act mandates the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at public gatherings and official functions. It is to be sung before Jana Gana Mana whenever both are performed.
The military bands, including those from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, have been instructed on the proper rendition of Vande Mataram, which will be preceded by a roll of drums to alert the audience. Historically, Vande Mataram was first published in 1882 and has undergone various adaptations and controversies over the years. In 1950, it was officially recognized as the National Song alongside Jana Gana Mana, reflecting its deep connection to India's struggle for independence.
“Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on August 10 that 2,500 NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers will form the words 'Vande Mataram' on Gyanpath, while an IAF Mi-17 helicopter showers petals. The rendition follows a new Act criminalising disruption of the song, mandating all six stanzas before Jana Gana Mana.”
