Vande Mataram Played For First Time To Open Lok Sabha Proceedings As Monsoon Session Ends

New Delhi: Lok Sabha proceedings opened with the playing of Vande Mataram on Thursday, marking the first time the National Song was used to open proceedings of the Lower House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and members of the House were present on the final day of the Monsoon Session.

Six stanzas of Vande Mataram were played at the start of the proceedings. The Lok Sabha was subsequently adjourned sine die, formally bringing the Monsoon Session of Parliament to an end.

The development came days after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to legislation granting legal protection to Vande Mataram. Under the new law, intentionally disrupting or preventing the singing of the National Song has been made a punishable offence, giving it a legal status similar to that of the National Anthem.

The government had also earlier laid down protocols for the rendition of Vande Mataram at official functions. In an order issued on January 28, the Union Home Ministry prescribed the singing of six stanzas on occasions including the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the Tricolour and addresses by governors.

The Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, concluded on August 13 after 19 scheduled sittings. The session witnessed repeated disruptions and heated exchanges between the government and the Opposition over several issues.

The playing of Vande Mataram on the final sitting added a historic dimension to the conclusion of the session, coming shortly after the song received enhanced legal protection.

ALSO READ: UNSC Report Links Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent to November 2025 Red Fort Blast