Grand 'Vande Mataram' Dance Tribute Marks 150th Anniversary at Republic Day Parade

Thousands of dancers gathered at Kartavya Path in an awesome exhibition of nationalism and cultural heritage during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in January 26, 2026, to give a monumental dance tribute to the national song of India, Vande Mataram. 

This marathon show, which included about 2500 performers in different parts of the country, was the highlight of the annual parade, commemorating the important 150th anniversary of the legendary song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875. The general theme of the parade was Swatantrata Ka Mantra -Vande Mataram (The Mantra of Freedom -Vande Mataram), which was intended to represent the long journey undertaken by the song since it was a strong cry of protest during the freedom struggle, but today it had become a traditional symbol of national identity. 

The artists were dressed in bright folk and classical dresses, performing in perfect harmony, and it gave an image of a visual buffet honouring the legacy of the song. The Supreme Court officially opened the year-long celebration of the anniversary in November 2025 by the Prime Minister. The tribute was not confined to the majestic dance, state and ministry tableaux used the theme of Vande Mataram and the imagery of the song was used in the expressive artwork to adorn the historic stretch of Kartavya Path and the 2026 parade proved to be a highly symbolic one featuring the national spirit.

Swatantrata Ka Mantra – Vande Mataram

The choice of Swatantrata Ka Mantra -Vande Mataram as the theme of the parade went down well with the audience. The song was written by the writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875, and was used as a spiritual and political rallying song that made thousands of people willing to fight against the British oppressive rule. The purpose of the parade was to revive this historical importance with the younger generations to make them realise the emotional depth and historical context of the anthem.

Military Might 

The Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path also, in an impressive demonstration of high-tech defence potential, began as a cultural spectacle and then quickly evolved into a forceful display of Military Might. The exhibition highlighted the Indian strategic capabilities and the desire to be self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). The historic avenue was shaken by a column of innovative land formations, including the mightry T-90 tanks, with their durability and capabilities. Mobile launchers to the powerful BrahMos missile systems followed them closely, a sign of Indian ability to strike with accuracy and success in joint ventures. The sky above was roaring into action as 29 planes of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were carrying out a splendid flypast.

The air ballet performed involved a combination of fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters, showed operational preparedness and aerial dominance and then the event was closed by its classic awe-inspiring climax.