Republic Day 2026 Celebrations to Highlight 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ at Kartavya Path
India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path this year will revolve around a powerful theme — the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, a symbol that shaped the country’s freedom movement and continues to inspire national unity.
The iconic boulevard, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect the historic journey of the song and its deep connection with India’s cultural and political evolution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earlier announced a year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram’s 150th anniversary, which will culminate in November 2026. The Republic Day parade marks one of the most prominent highlights of this nationwide celebration.
A Blend of Heritage, Development and National Pride
According to the Ministry of Defence, this year’s Republic Day programme will present a unique combination of India’s historical legacy, modern development achievements, military strength, and cultural diversity.
The celebrations will showcase how Vande Mataram continues to resonate in contemporary India, linking the spirit of freedom with the country’s vision of self-reliance and growth.
Special visual installations featuring rare illustrations from the 1923 Bande Mataram Album, created by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra, have been placed along Kartavya Path. These paintings depict verses of the song and reflect its artistic and emotional significance.
Officials said the display aims to help citizens reconnect with the song’s original spirit and historical context.
Tableaux Reflecting National Progress
As many as 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path during the parade. These include 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various ministries, departments and defence services.
The tableaux are built around two major themes: ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
They will depict India’s journey from colonial rule to a self-confident nation, highlighting achievements in sectors such as defence, technology, infrastructure, healthcare, women empowerment and education.
Each tableau is designed to combine traditional art forms with modern narratives of development and innovation.
The Journey of ‘Vande Mataram’
Vande Mataram, meaning “Mother, I Bow to Thee,” was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and later included in his novel Anandamath in 1882. The song was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Indian National Congress session.
In 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted it as India’s National Song, recognising its role in shaping the freedom struggle.
During the Swadeshi and anti-partition movements of the early 20th century, Vande Mataram became the rallying cry of resistance. It united people across regions, languages and social backgrounds.
Despite repeated attempts by British authorities to restrict its use, the song continued to echo in protests, public meetings and prisons, strengthening the resolve of freedom fighters.
Parliamentary Recognition and Youth Outreach
In December 2025, Parliament held special discussions to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. The debates traced its historical role and reaffirmed its relevance in modern India.
The government has also launched several initiatives in schools, colleges and cultural institutions to familiarise younger generations with the song’s legacy.
Officials believe this outreach is crucial in preserving the emotional and patriotic significance of Vande Mataram in an era of rapid social change.
Grand Finale at Kartavya Path
At the conclusion of the Republic Day parade, a special banner bearing the word “Vandemataram” will be unveiled. The moment will be accompanied by the release of balloons, symbolising unity, freedom and national pride.
Organisers said the finale is designed to serve as a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of India and its collective aspirations.
Our Thoughts
The decision to centre Republic Day 2026 around the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram reflects a thoughtful effort to connect India’s past with its future. At a time when the country is positioning itself as a global power, revisiting the emotional foundations of nationalism reinforces social cohesion and democratic values.
By blending history with development narratives, this year’s celebrations underline that India’s progress is rooted in sacrifice, unity and cultural resilience. The focus on youth engagement further ensures that the legacy of Vande Mataram remains alive for generations to come.