‘Vande Mataram’ To Be Sung At Red Fort For First Time In Independence Day Ceremony

Vande Mataram will be formally rendered as part of the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort for the first time on August 15, marking a significant addition to the traditional proceedings. The “first” refers specifically to its formal inclusion in the official Independence Day ceremony, and not to the song being performed at the Red Fort for the first time ever.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort, with this year’s ceremony also marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The celebrations will highlight the contribution of India’s youth to the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

The ceremony will begin with the prime minister inspecting the Guard of Honour before proceeding to the ramparts to hoist the national flag. The flag-raising will be synchronised with a 21-gun salute fired using indigenously manufactured 105mm Light Field Guns.

Following the flag hoisting, an Army band will play the tune of Vande Mataram, with the National Song being sung by those present at the Red Fort. This will be followed by the National Anthem, marking a notable change in the established ceremonial sequence.

The celebrations will also feature a dramatic aerial tribute. As the Tricolour is hoisted, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals over the venue. One helicopter will carry the national flag, while the other will carry a flag depicting Vande Mataram.

After the prime minister’s address to the nation, around 2,500 NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will collectively sing Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem. Seated along Gyanpath, the participants will form the words “Vande Mataram”, creating a striking visual display opposite the Red Fort ramparts.

The government has invited nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life, including women entrepreneurs, volunteers and beneficiaries of various government schemes. More than 1,500 people dressed in traditional attire from different states and Union Territories will also attend.

The patriotic celebrations will extend beyond Delhi, with military and security force bands performing at 343 prominent locations across the country. Flag-hoisting ceremonies will also be conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

With the formal inclusion of Vande Mataram, the 2026 celebrations will bring together history, national pride, youth participation and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 in a ceremony designed to give special prominence to India’s National Song.