Vande Mataram Takes Center Stage at 77th Republic Day Parade
India’s Republic Day 2026 honors 150 years of the iconic national song ‘Vande Mataram’ through stunning artwork and thematic displays.
The 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi prominently celebrated the sesquicentenary of ‘Vande Mataram’, the timeless patriotic song penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875. Prints of vintage paintings by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra, vividly illustrating the song’s opening stanzas, adorned the backdrops along Kartavya Path, creating a powerful visual tribute. Originally composed as a hymn and later featured in Chatterjee’s novel ‘Anandamath’, the song evolved into a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle and was formally adopted as the national song in 1950.
This year’s parade theme revolved around ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, blending 150 years of patriotic fervor with India’s journey toward self-reliance. Invitation cards featured the sesquicentennial logo, a silhouette of Chatterjee, and ‘Vande Mataram’ watermark, while military and CAPF band performances across cities echoed the same motif from January 19 to 26. The song, first sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress session and published in ‘Bangadarshan’ on November 7, 1875, remains deeply embedded in India’s cultural and political identity, symbolizing unity, sacrifice, and devotion.
Thirty tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path, with 17 from states and Union Territories and 13 from ministries and services, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity alongside rapid progress in various sectors. The display highlighted how ‘Vande Mataram’ inspired generations during the independence movement, notably as a political slogan from August 1905 onward.
Also Read: Iran Escalates Warnings with Dramatic Anti-US Mural in Tehran
Adding international flair, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa served as chief guests. The parade showcased India’s military might, developmental achievements, and heritage, reaffirming the enduring message of the song on the day India became a republic on January 26, 1950.
This milestone commemoration through art and performances underscores the song’s role as a unifying force for the nation.
Also Read: Akshita Dhankar Joins President Murmu To Hoist Flag, Showcasing Women Leaders In Defence
