Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Parikshit
Every country has their symbol that makes the whole nation proud. India, which is a sovereign, democratic, and independent country, has some symbols and signs, like the National Emblem, national flag, national flower, and more, and they all make one feel proud. But, among these, one of the most important symbols of India is the National Song. This song is sung by all, which gives us a feeling of independence and shows our lot of love for our country. But do you know what the National Song of India is? In this article, we will tell you everything about the national song of India.
What is the National Song of India?
The national song of India is “Vande Mataram.” The meaning of “Vande Mataram” in Hindi and Sanskrit is “I bow to thee, Mother”/”Maa, main prarthana karta hoon.” Here, the mother, which is used, means our country, India. This song is a sign of deep love and respect for our mother nation. Our National Song has equal status, as we have our National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.”
Quick Facts About the National Song of India
| Aspects | Details |
| Name of National Song | Vande Mataram |
| Written by | Bankim Chandra Chatterjee |
| Year Written | 1875 |
| First Published In | Bangadarshan (literary journal) |
| Part of Novel | Anandamath (1882) |
| First Public Singing | 1896, by Rabindranath Tagore |
| Officially Adopted | 24 January 1950 |
| Meaning | I bow to thee, Mother |
| Total Stanzas | 6 |
| Full Song Duration | Approx. 3 minutes 10 seconds |
Who Wrote the National Song of India?
Source: ministry of labour and employment
The national song of India, “Vande Mataram,” was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. He was a great Bengali writer and poet. He was born on 27 June 1838, in West Bengal.
He first wrote this poem around 1875. It was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on 7 November 1875. Later, he included this poem in his famous novel “Anandamath,” which was published in 1882. In this novel, Vande Mataram became a symbol of love for the motherland.
Source: amritkaal
When Was Vande Mataram First Sung in Public?
The first public singing of Vande Mataram happened in a very historic event. It was sung by the great poet Rabindranath Tagore at the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta in 1896. After that, the song became very popular among freedom fighters.
During the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, the song became even more popular. People would sing it at protests and rallies against British rule. Many freedom fighters went to jail or even gave up their lives while chanting “Vande Mataram.”
When Was Vande Mataram Officially Adopted as the National Song?
The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted Vande Mataram as the National Song of India on 24 January 1950. This was just two days before India became a Republic.
India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, said that Vande Mataram must be given the same honour and respect as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
How Many Stanzas Does Vande Mataram Have?
The full official version of Vande Mataram has six stanzas (paragraphs). The full version takes about 3 minutes and 10 seconds to sing or play.
New 2026 Government Rules for Vande Mataram
In January 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India released new and important rules about Vande Mataram. Here are the key points:
- The full six-stanza version must be sung at all official events and in schools.
- When both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are sung at the same event, Vande Mataram must be sung first, before the national anthem.
- Standing is now mandatory when Vande Mataram is played at government events.
- These rules must be followed at all government functions, schools, and public events across India.
These new rules show how important the national song is for our country.
What is the Special Celebration of 150 Years of Vande Mataram?
Source: amritkaal
In November 2025, India began a special celebration to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this year-long celebration on 7 November 2025 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. He called Vande Mataram “a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a resolution.”
A commemorative stamp and coin were also released. A special website, vandemataram150.in, was launched where citizens can upload videos of themselves singing the national song and get a certificate.
This celebration runs from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026.
The national song of India, Vande Mataram, is not just a song. It is the voice of millions of Indians who love their country. This song gave strength to our freedom fighters. Today, it continues to fill our hearts with pride and patriotism.
With the new 2026 government rules, Vande Mataram now has a stronger and more respected place in our national events. Every Indian should know, love, and respect this great song.
Vande Mataram!
