On the cold morning of January 26, 2026, crowds gathered outside enclosures named after Indian rivers to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Walls displayed all six stanzas of the national song alongside paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra from 1923, lining Kartavya Path. The Union Culture Ministry’s tableau, titled ‘Vande Mataram: Swatantrata ka Mantra (freedom chant)’, led the parade. It featured a moving tractor carrying the full original manuscript by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, whose image appeared below the display. The middle section showed artistes in traditional and modern dress, symbolising India’s folk heritage and the younger generation, showing the song’s uniting power. West Bengal’s tableau included a statue of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, honouring the composer as part of its tribute to freedom fighters. Another tableau by the Central Public Works Department had a burning torch in front, symbolising Vande Mataram as the guiding light of India's freedom struggle, with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay depicted at the rear. Most State and Union Territory tableaux embraced the Vande Mataram theme, turning the Kartavya Path into a grand gallery celebrating the national song’s full version. As the day went on, dancers from across India dressed in vibrant costumes performed the song, striking evocative poses throughout the rendition. The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram took centre stage during the Republic Day celebrations, connecting generations through song and spirit.