Independence Day 2026: Vande Mataram to Be Sung From Red Fort Ramparts for First Time

In a historic addition to India’s national celebrations, the National Song "Vande Mataram" will be officially rendered from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time during the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026. According to officials from the Ministry of Defence, all six stanzas of the national song will be played immediately before the singing of the National Anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," at the conclusion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual address to the nation.

Full Lyrics Included on Official Invitations

To facilitate participation, official invitation cards issued by the Defence Ministry to senior ministers, military leaders, diplomats, bureaucrats, and special invitees feature the complete text of all six stanzas of "Vande Mataram". Ministry officials noted that while most citizens are familiar with the National Anthem, knowledge of the complete text of the National Song is less widespread. Printing the full text on the cards is intended to allow dignitaries and attendees present at the Red Fort to sing along during the formal rendition. Why Is the Flag 'Hoisted' on Independence Day and 'Unfurled' on Republic Day?.

In previous Independence Day ceremonies, the formal program concluded solely with the National Anthem, while patriotic songs were traditionally performed earlier in the morning by National Cadet Corps (NCC) choirs prior to the arrival of the Prime Minister.

Legislative and Historical Context

The protocol update follows the recent passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by Parliament. The legislation extends statutory protection to "Vande Mataram," putting it on equal legal footing with the National Anthem, the National Flag, and the Constitution of India. Under the amended law, intentionally obstructing or disturbing the rendition of the national song carries penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. India's 80th Independence Day: Date, History and Significance Explained.

Vande Mataram to Be Sung From Red Fort Ramparts for First Time

As part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, for the first time ever, the National Song 'Vande Mataram' would be sung from the ramparts of Red Fort: Defence Ministry pic.twitter.com/tWNYJrdnho

— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2026

The inclusion also coincides with nationwide commemorations marking the 150th anniversary of the composition of "Vande Mataram". Written in the 1870s by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song played a central role during India's freedom struggle. The 150th anniversary theme was previously integrated into the 77th Republic Day parade tableaux and military band performances across the country earlier this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).