Independence Day 2026: Defence Ministry’s I-Day Invites Feature Full ‘Vande Mataram’ Lyrics
Invitation cards issued by the Defence Ministry for India’s 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort prominently feature the complete lyrics of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. Official sources confirmed on Friday that the national song will be played for the first time during the national flag hoisting ceremony, immediately before the singing of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The Defence Ministry has included the complete lyrics of Vande Mataram in invitation cards for the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, with the national song set to be played before the national anthem during the ceremony. Officials said the move marks the first time Vande Mataram will be played as part of the annual Independence Day programme during the flag-hoisting ceremony, Hindustan Times reported.
The invitation cards carry all six stanzas of the national song. The ceremony on August 15 will be attended by senior ministers, military officers, bureaucrats, diplomats, students and other special invitees. Why Is the Flag 'Hoisted' on Independence Day and 'Unfurled' on Republic Day?.
Full Six-Stanza Version Included
The inclusion of all six stanzas follows the Centre’s recent emphasis on the original, full version of Vande Mataram. For decades, the first two stanzas have generally been used when the song is performed as the national song. The move is also part of nationwide events marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in his novel Anandamath in 1882.
Song to Precede National Anthem
According to officials cited by Hindustan Times, Vande Mataram will be played before Jana Gana Mana during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. The annual event traditionally begins with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the national flag, followed by the Independence Day address from the historic venue. The inclusion of the national song adds a new element to this year's ceremony as the government continues its 150-year commemorative campaign. Independence Day 2026: Har Ghar Tiranga Dates, Flag Code Rules and Guidelines.
Parliament Clears Legal Protection
The development comes days after Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation extends provisions of the 1971 law concerning intentional obstruction or disturbance during the singing of the national anthem to Vande Mataram. Offences under the amended framework can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill on July 29, followed by its passage through the Lok Sabha the next day.
150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
The government has been organising programmes throughout 2026 to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram. The song has played a significant role in India's freedom movement and was accorded the status of national song in 1950.
The latest changes have also generated political discussion over the song's place alongside the national anthem and the manner in which it should be used at official functions. Against this backdrop, the Defence Ministry's Independence Day invitations signal the prominent role Vande Mataram is expected to have in this year's 80th Independence Day celebrations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
