Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long commemoration marking 150 years of the National Song Vande Mataram at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Friday, setting in motion a nationwide celebration of one of India’s most influential literary and patriotic works.
The programme will mark the formal launch of the commemoration running from November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister will preside over the event at 9:30 a.m. and release a commemorative stamp and coin to honour the milestone.
“The celebrations will witness Mass Singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ at around 9:50 AM across public places with participation of citizens across all segments of society, in conjunction with the main programme,” the statement said.
Also read: Team India's emotional 'Vande Mataram' rendition at Wankhede
The year marks a century and a half since Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay. Written on the occasion of Akshaya Navami on 7 November 1875, the piece first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath.
The song, invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, played a defining role in India’s freedom struggle. Its verses, carried through rallies and movements, served as a poetic rallying cry for unity and self-respect, eventually becoming a cornerstone of national identity.
The year-long celebration is expected to feature cultural programmes, scholarly discussions, public participation events and state-level observances, placing renewed focus on the song’s enduring legacy.
Follow us
