Vande Mataram to be sung at Red Fort on 80th Independence Day

The Ministry of Defence announced that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's 'Vande Mataram' will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time during India's 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026. Defence Secretary RK Singh outlined the new ceremonial sequence: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at the ramparts, the national song will be played while everyone remains standing, the PM will unfurl the national flag, and then the national anthem will be played.

The song, which means 'Mother, I Bow to Thee', portrays the motherland and praises its beauty, richness, strength and nurturing spirit. Originally written in Bengali and Sanskrit, it was first published in the novel 'Anandamath' in 1882. The full lyrics and English translation are available from government sources.