In a first, Vande Mataram rendered during 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort

For the first time during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, the national song Vande Mataram was rendered. This marked the 79th anniversary of the historic event, which took place on August 15. Following the recitation of the national anthem, the grand function commemorated the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram, having turned 150 years old.

Floral decorations on the fort's ramparts featured the national flag at the center, surrounded by Vande Mataram in Hindi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations with a spirit of patriotism and multi-layer security. An Army band played Vande Mataram while guests sang the national song. The Prime Minister then hoisted the national flag, which was followed by the national anthem.

After the flag ceremony, the tricolour received a Rashtriya Salute. Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals at the venue, with one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting Vande Mataram. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee penned Vande Mataram in 1875, which became a rallying cry during the freedom movement.

Adopted as India's national song by the Constituent Assembly in 1950, Vande Mataram was initially composed independently and later included in Chatterjee's novel Anandamath. First sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta, the chant was used as a political slogan for the first time on August 7, 1905. The song was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875.