New Delhi, Jan 26: The 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Monday will be centred around the theme of the 150th Anniversary of the iconic national song Vande Mataram, a powerful anthem that ignited the spirit of Swadeshi, self-reliance, and freedom during India’s struggle for independence. The celebrations will honour the legacy of this timeless anthem, which continues to inspire the nation today.
The event, which will take place at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, will feature an elaborate display, with decorations running from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial. The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram will be marked by a year-long commemoration, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has emphasised the significance of the national song in shaping India’s identity.
A key highlight of the celebrations will be the display of a distinguished series of paintings created by Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, illustrating the verses of Vande Mataram. These paintings, which were published in the Bande Mataram Album of 1923, will be showcased as view-cutters along Kartavya Path, giving a visual representation of the song's rich history.
The Republic Day parade will feature 30 tableaux, including 17 from various states and Union Territories, and 13 from ministries and departments. The tableaux will follow the overarching theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. They will reflect the country’s rapid development and growing self-reliance, along with celebrating its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.
Vande Mataram, which translates to “Mother, I Bow to Thee,” was initially composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and became a symbol of India's resistance against colonial rule. It was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta. Later, in 1950, it was officially adopted as India’s National Song by the Constituent Assembly.
The song’s legacy is deeply rooted in India’s freedom struggle. It served as a powerful rallying cry during the Swadeshi and anti-partition movements, transcending regional and linguistic barriers. From the streets of Bengal to the plains of Punjab, Vande Mataram became an anthem of national awakening. Its powerful verses inspired countless revolutionaries and leaders, playing a pivotal role in uniting people across caste, creed, and language in the fight against British colonialism.
In 1905, during the anti-partition movement, Vande Mataram gained immense popularity, with the Indian National Congress officially adopting the song at its Varanasi session that same year. The song became a central part of national discourse and was sung at political rallies, demonstrations, and meetings, symbolising the growing spirit of Indian nationalism.
To mark the 150th anniversary, Parliament held special discussions in December 2025, led by Prime Minister Modi, reflecting on the history of Vande Mataram. These discussions focused on the legacy of the song and its impact on the Indian independence movement, including the 1937 Congress decision to officially adopt only the first two stanzas.
As a tribute to the enduring spirit of Vande Mataram, at the conclusion of the Republic Day parade today, a banner bearing the words ‘Vande Mataram’ will be unveiled. The event will also feature the release of rubber balloons, adding a symbolic touch to the national celebrations. This grand gesture will mark a fitting tribute to the song’s role in uniting the nation and inspiring generations of citizens.
The year-long celebrations honouring Vande Mataram are set to further deepen the connection between India’s youth and the song’s original spirit, reinforcing its importance in the country’s national consciousness.
