Republic Day 2026: West Bengal tableau "Swatantrata ka Mantra - Vande Mataram," celebrates 150 years of the song, honours Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
New Delhi, January 26
West Bengal's 2026 Republic Day tableau, "Swatantrata ka Mantra - Vande Mataram," celebrates 150 years of the song, honouring Bengal's pivotal role in the freedom struggle, featuring Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Netaji, Tagore, and Matangini Hazra, and highlights revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose.
The tableau began with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose composition Vande Mataram in 1875 became the eternal mantra of freedom, igniting patriotism, unity, and devotion to the motherland across generations.
The tableau also reflected Bengal's spiritual and intellectual awakening through Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, whose teachings inspired self-belief, inner strength, and national consciousness. Rabindranath Tagore represented moral leadership and cultural pride, linking art, humanism, and nationalism to shape the ethical soul of the freedom movement.
Additionally, West Bengal, in its tableau, also depicted revolutionary fervour through martyrs such as Khudiram Bose and the trio of Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh, symbolising fearless resistance and uncompromising courage against colonial rule. Matangini Hazra, along with other women participants, highlighted the vital contribution of women, while students and workers represented mass participation and collective strength.
At the forefront stood Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who embodied decisive leadership and an indomitable will. His leadership of the Indian National Army (INA) gave the freedom struggle a global dimension and inspired millions with the call for complete independence.
Overall, the tableau honoured Bengal's enduring legacy, showcasing how ideas become action, sacrifice becomes strength, and leadership becomes destiny under the timeless call of Vande Mataram.
Republic Day marks a defining milestone in India's national journey. It marks the day the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, formally establishing the country as a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'.
While independence on August 15, 1947, ended colonial rule, it was the adoption of the Constitution that completed India's transition to self-governance based on law, institutional accountability, and the will of the Indians.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud to see Bengal's rich history being showcased on Rajpath. It's important for the younger generation to remember the sacrifices of revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose and the courage of women like Matangini Hazra. Jai Hind!
As someone visiting India, it's fascinating to learn about the depth of the freedom movement through these tableaux. The inclusion of intellectual figures like Tagore and Vivekananda alongside soldiers shows a holistic view of the struggle for independence.
While the tableau is visually stunning and the theme is great, I do wish there was a bit more focus on the constitutional values we celebrate on Republic Day. The freedom struggle led to the creation of our Constitution—that link could be stronger.
My heart swells with pride! 150 years of Vande Mataram. This song is not just for Bengal, it's the soul of India. Seeing Netaji at the forefront gives me goosebumps. His leadership was truly unmatched.
Excellent concept. Bengal gave us the mantra (Vande Mataram) and the men & women who lived by it. From the pen of Bankim Chandra to the sword of Netaji, it's a complete journey. Well done to the artists and designers!
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