Govt To Celebrate 150 Years Of 'Vande Matram' On Nov 7, Announces Year-Long Programme

The Government of India has announced an extensive, year-long programme to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, beginning on November 7, 2025 and continuing until November 7, 2026.

The initiative follows the approval of the Union Cabinet on October 1, 2025 and aims to highlight the historic, cultural and patriotic legacy of the song penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

In an official communication, the Ministry of Culture underscored the iconic status of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle. The letter recalls that during a period of “major social, cultural and political changes,” the song “gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect,” eventually becoming “an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation.”

The government has outlined four phases of commemoration:

Phase 1 would start on November 7 and will continue till November 14, 2025

Phase 2 is scheduled from January 19–26, 2026 (around Republic Day)

Phase 3 will start from August 7–15, 2026 (alongside Har Ghar Tiranga 2026)

Phase 4 would be November 1-7, 2026 (closing week).

“Our national song “Vande Mataram”, by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, is believed to have been written during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami which in 1875 was on November 7.

Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath in a serialised manner and later as a standalone book in 1882. During that period, India was undergoing major social, cultural and political changes, and there was a_growing consciousness of national identity and resistance to colonial rule.

The song, invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation,” a letter by Culture Secretary Vivek Agarwal read.

The letter by the Culture Secretary further notes that since Independence, Vande Mataram has held “a place of special honour in official ceremonies, public events and educational institutions,” symbolising “patriotism, unity and service to the nation.”

As part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ responsibilities, a nationwide mass singing of Vande Mataram will be organised on November 7, 2025, with recordings to be uploaded on the campaign website. Year-long activities will include performances by CAPF and State Police bands and exhibitions across divisions and regional bureaus.

The communication emphasises that the commemoration offers an opportunity “to highlight the contribution of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and to reaffirm the values of unity, sacrifice and love for the Motherland that the song embodies.”

The Ministry of Culture has also asked all concerned departments to nominate a nodal officer to ensure “effective implementation of the Commemoration of 150 Years of Vande Mataram.”

The year-long celebration is expected to involve public participation, cultural programmes and educational initiatives nationwide.

“The popularity of Vande Mataram grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On 24th January 1950, while announcing the adoption of the Constitution, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the First President of independent India and also as President of the Constituent Assembly, stated that the song Vande Mataram, which had played a historic part in the struggle for India’s freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and have equal status with it. Since Independence, Vande, Mataram has continued to hold a place of special honour in official ceremonies, public events and educational institutions, representing the ideals of patriotism, unity and service to the nation,” letter said.

BJP To Mark 150 Years Of ‘Vande Matram’ On Nov 7

‘Vande Matram’ will be collectively sung at events planned in 150 places of significance across the country to mark 150 years of the national song, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to attend one such programme at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi on November 7.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters here, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said the party plans to celebrate the milestone as a festival.

“Several programmes to celebrate the occasion will be organised across the country from November 7 to 26 (Constitution Day). Vande Matram will be sung at 150 places of significance on November 7, which will be followed by a pledge for using indigenous products,” Chugh said.