Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long commemoration marking 150 years of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, at a grand ceremony organized by the Culture Ministry on November 7, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
The event will mark the formal launch of nationwide celebrations that will run from November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026, honouring the timeless composition that inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to symbolize national pride and unity.
The celebrations will begin at 10:00 AM with a mass singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ across public spaces throughout the country. Citizens from all walks of life – including school and college students, government officials, elected representatives, police personnel, teachers, doctors, drivers, and shopkeepers – will join in unison, synchronized with the main event in New Delhi in the presence of the Prime Minister.
The Union Cabinet, under PM Modi’s leadership, had earlier approved the nationwide commemoration on October 1, 2025, followed by the National Implementation Committee’s approval on October 24, 2025.
Composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875 – believed to be on Akshaya Navami (November 7) – ‘Vande Mataram’ first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of Chatterji’s novel Anandamath and later as a standalone book in 1882.
The song invoked the Motherland as an embodiment of strength, prosperity, and divinity, giving poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect during colonial rule. It became a rallying cry for freedom and a lasting symbol of patriotism.
Recognizing its historic role in the freedom struggle, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, declared on January 24, 1950, that ‘Vande Mataram’ would be accorded equal honour with the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
The inaugural event will feature a range of cultural and commemorative activities, including:
* A cultural programme preceding the arrival of the Chief Guest.
* A curated exhibition tracing the 150-year history of ‘Vande Mataram’.
* A floral tribute to Bharat Mata.
* A concert titled “Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam”, featuring around 75 musicians led by internationally acclaimed violin maestro Dr. Manjunath Mysore, showcasing diverse Indian musical traditions.
* Screening of a short documentary, “150 Years of Vande Mataram.”
* Release of a commemorative stamp and coin.
* Addresses by distinguished dignitaries, followed by a keynote address by Prime Minister Modi.
* Mass singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ to conclude the ceremony.
All States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries will organize simultaneous mass singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at 10:00 AM in their respective offices, synchronizing with the New Delhi event. The Prime Minister’s address will be telecast live across government offices, schools, and institutions.
A dedicated campaign website – https://vandemataram150.in – has been launched to facilitate public participation. The portal features official campaign materials, a short film and exhibition, audio and lyrics for mass singing, and an interactive “Karaoke with Vande Mataram” feature that allows citizens to record and upload their own renditions.
The Culture Ministry has urged all citizens to participate in large numbers as a collective expression of patriotism and gratitude toward the song that continues to inspire generations and unite the nation in pride and reverence.