Historic First: ‘Vande Mataram’ Opens Lok Sabha as Monsoon Session Ends
New Delhi, August 13, 2026: The final sitting of the Monsoon Session of Parliament began on a historic note on Thursday as “Vande Mataram” was played at the opening of Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and members from across the political spectrum were present in the House for the special opening.
The move gave a symbolic character to the final day of the session, which ended shortly afterwards with the Lok Sabha being adjourned sine die. The playing of the National Song also came at a time when the government has recently introduced measures aimed at giving greater formal recognition and protection to “Vande Mataram” and establishing protocols for its official rendition.
First time in parliamentary history
“Vande Mataram” has played an important role in India's freedom movement and has long held a special place in the country's national life. However, Thursday's proceedings marked a new parliamentary precedent: the National Song was used to open the Lok Sabha's formal proceedings.
According to reports, six stanzas of the song were played as members stood in respect. The ceremony took place with a full House in attendance, including members of both the Treasury and Opposition benches.
The moment came as Parliament prepared to conclude a Monsoon Session that had been marked by repeated political confrontations and disruptions.
PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi present
The presence of senior leaders from both sides gave the event additional significance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the House along with other senior members of the government, while Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was also present.
Members stood during the rendition, creating a rare moment of collective participation despite the political disagreements that had dominated much of the session.
The symbolism was particularly notable because the session had witnessed sharp exchanges between the government and opposition over several issues.
Why ‘Vande Mataram’ is significant
Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, “Vande Mataram” became one of the defining patriotic songs of India's freedom struggle.
The song appeared in Chattopadhyay's novel Anandamath and subsequently became closely associated with the nationalist movement against British rule.
Over the decades, “Vande Mataram” has remained an important national symbol. It was given the status of National Song of India, while “Jana Gana Mana” is the National Anthem.
The Constituent Assembly recognised the historic importance of “Vande Mataram” when it accorded the song equal honour with the National Anthem.
New emphasis on the National Song
Thursday's development also comes against the backdrop of renewed government attention to “Vande Mataram”.
The government has been marking the 150th anniversary of the song, with official guidelines concerning its rendition and the use of its complete version at certain government functions.
The latest emphasis has generated considerable public and political discussion over the appropriate place of the National Song in official events.
The decision to open Lok Sabha proceedings with the song represents one of the most prominent institutional uses of “Vande Mataram” in recent times.
Monsoon Session ends amid political tensions
The historic opening came on the final day of a politically turbulent Monsoon Session.
Parliament witnessed repeated disruptions, protests and disagreements between the government and opposition. Despite the confrontations, both Houses completed legislative business during the session, with several bills introduced and passed.
Reports indicate that 12 bills were introduced and 11 were passed by both Houses, although overall productivity remained low because of disruptions.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after the special proceedings, formally bringing the Monsoon Session to an end.
A symbolic conclusion to the session
The use of “Vande Mataram” at the beginning of the final sitting gave the conclusion of the session a ceremonial character.
For supporters of the move, the event represents a renewed recognition of a song deeply connected with India's independence movement and national identity. For the wider political community, it also marks an important change in parliamentary convention.
The event was especially significant because it brought government and opposition members together for a national ceremony despite the political disputes that had characterised the session.
What the moment means for Parliament
Thursday's rendition does not simply represent another ceremonial performance of a patriotic song. It establishes a new precedent for the opening of Lok Sabha proceedings.
Whether the practice becomes a regular feature of future parliamentary sessions remains to be seen. For now, however, August 13, 2026, will be remembered as the day “Vande Mataram” opened Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time.
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