Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long commemoration of 150 years of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, at a grand ceremony organised by the Ministry of Culture on November 7, 2025, 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 iconic song that inspired India’s freedom struggle and continues to embody the nation’s unity, pride, and spirit.
PM @narendramodi to inaugurate year-long Commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” on 7th November.#VandeMataram pic.twitter.com/qo8VkV8D0b
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 5, 2025
The celebrations will begin at 10:00 am with a mass singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ across the country. Citizens from all walks of life, students, teachers, officials, police personnel, doctors, traders, and others will join in unison with the main event in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister will be present. All States, Union Territories, and central ministries will organise simultaneous singing events at their offices, schools, and institutions. The Prime Minister’s address will be telecast live nationwide.
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 his celebrated novel Anandamath, and was later published as a standalone work in 1882.
The song personifies the Motherland as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and divinity, capturing India’s growing spirit of unity and self-respect under colonial rule. It became a powerful anthem of the freedom movement and a timeless emblem of patriotism.
Recognising its significance, Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, announced on January 24, 1950, that ‘Vande Mataram’ would enjoy equal status with the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
The inaugural ceremony in New Delhi will include a series of cultural and commemorative activities, such as:
A cultural performance ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival.
A curated exhibition tracing the 150-year legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’.
Floral tributes to Bharat Mata.
A grand concert titled “Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam”, featuring 75 eminent musicians led by renowned violinist Dr Manjunath Mysore, showcasing India’s rich musical diversity.
Screening of a short documentary, “150 Years of Vande Mataram.”
Release of a commemorative postage stamp and coin.
Addresses by distinguished guests, followed by a keynote address by Prime Minister Modi.
Mass singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ to conclude the event.
Nationwide Participation
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, approved the year-long commemoration on October 1, 2025, followed by clearance from the National Implementation Committee on October 24, 2025.
A special campaign website, https://vandemataram150.in, has been launched to encourage public participation. The portal offers official campaign materials, a short film, an online exhibition, downloadable audio and lyrics for mass singing, and an interactive “Karaoke with Vande Mataram” feature for citizens to record and share their renditions.
The Ministry of Culture has invited all Indians to participate in large numbers as a collective tribute to ‘Vande Mataram’ , the song that has inspired generations and continues to unite the nation in pride, reverence, and patriotism.
