Independence Day: Historic first as ‘Vande Mataram’ rings out at Red Fort

The celebrations were led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who delivered his Independence Day address from the iconic Red Fort.

Modi's speech was followed by the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, before the event concluded with the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’.

The Army band also performed ‘Vande Mataram’ after the Prime Minister hoisted the National Flag.

New guidelines for Vande Mataram

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued revised orders on February 6, 2026, laying down guidelines for the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. The orders prescribe the full version of the National Song and specify occasions on which it is to be performed, including formal government functions and other designated national ceremonies.

Under the new guidelines, when both ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ are performed at an official function, the National Song is to be rendered before the National Anthem.

The move comes as the government marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, which was first published in 1875 and was adopted as India's National Song in 1950.

The Red Fort ceremony on Saturday marked the first Independence Day event at the venue where ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ under the new protocol.