The Defence Ministry has issued invitation cards for the 80th Independence Day celebrations featuring the complete lyrics of Vande Mataram, marking a significant first for the annual event at Delhi’s Red Fort.
According to officials, the national song will be played before the national anthem during the Independence Day ceremony, and the invitation cards include all six stanzas of Vande Mataram to encourage attendees to participate in the rendition.
Full Lyrics Included for the First Time
The invitation cards distributed to ministers, senior military officials, diplomats, bureaucrats, students, and distinguished guests carry the complete lyrics of Vande Mataram.
Officials said the move was aimed at helping attendees sing along, as many people are familiar with the national anthem but may not know all the verses of the national song.
The cards also feature an image of Seva Teerth, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, along with a printed list of the Fundamental Duties of citizens.
Vande Mataram to Be Played Before National Anthem
For the first time, Vande Mataram will be played before the national anthem during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
The move comes after Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which grants the national song the same legal status as the national anthem.
Under the amended law, insulting or obstructing the national song is now a punishable offence carrying a prison term of up to three years, along with a fine.
Part of 150-Year Celebration of Vande Mataram
The initiative is part of the nationwide commemoration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s.
Earlier this year, the Centre also made it mandatory to render all six stanzas of the song during official commemorative events, replacing the long-standing practice of singing only the first two stanzas that were adopted as the national song in 1950.
The 77th Republic Day celebrations were also organised around the theme of Vande Mataram to commemorate the milestone.
Army Held Nationwide Performances
As part of the celebrations, the Indian Army organised military band performances at 18 locations across the country to honour the legacy of Vande Mataram.
One of the key venues was Naihati in West Bengal, the birthplace of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of the iconic national song.
Red Fort Preparations Underway
Every year, the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort is attended by top political leaders, armed forces personnel, diplomats, students, and citizens recognised for their achievements in various fields.
This year’s celebrations are expected to place special emphasis on the historical and cultural significance of Vande Mataram, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to mark the song’s 150-year legacy.
