Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi Hoists Tricolour at Red Fort; Vande Mataram Rendered for the First Time During Celebrations (Pics and Videos)
Vande Mataram, India's National Song, was played in full for the first time during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by PM Modi. This year marks 150 years of the song, which recently received the same legal protection as the National Anthem under a new amendment law.
In a historic first, Vande Mataram, the National Song, was played in full during the 80th Independence Day celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort, followed by the customary Jana Gana Mana, the National Anthem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag at Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, with Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan assisting the PM in hoisting the National Flag. This year marks 150 years of the National Song.
21-Gun Salute Synchronised With Flag Hoisting
As PM Modi hoisted the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, it was synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns. The Army band then played Vande Mataram. Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals at the venue, with one helicopter carrying the National Flag and the other carrying a flag depicting Vande Mataram. Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi Extends Greetings; Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighters.
Vande Mataram Now Holds Same Legal Protection As National Anthem
The full version of Vande Mataram was recently accorded the same legal protection as the National Anthem and was played ahead of and at the conclusion of President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day on Friday. The rendition was followed by the national anthem, marking a historic moment in the official celebrations. Happy Independence Day 2026: Wishes, Quotes, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share.
Vande Mataram Played For First Time During Independence Day Celebrations At Red Fort; PM Modi Hoists National Flag
The development comes days after the President gave assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the national anthem. Under the amended law, deliberate disruption or prevention of the singing of the national song will attract penalties, including imprisonment, a fine, or both.
President Murmu Recalls Song's Role In Freedom Struggle
During the Swadeshi Movement, the song Vande Mataram became a song of the masses, the President said in her address, underscoring the song's historic role in mobilising the freedom movement.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 07:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).