India is commemorating 150 years of its National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ through a series of nationwide celebrations aimed at fostering national pride, unity and cultural heritage. The commemorative programme includes mass singing, cultural performances and military band displays at prominent public locations across the country.
As part of these celebrations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Band performed a special musical programme at the amphitheatre, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, on January 21, 2026. The band, comprising 31 musicians, delivered a 45-minute performance featuring an engaging fusion of brass, reed, string and electronic instruments across eleven musical compositions.
The performance featured stirring renditions of ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song, and ‘Sindoor’, a composition created to commemorate the valour and operational achievements of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor. The programme drew appreciation from the public for its emotive and patriotic presentation.
Music has long been an integral part of India’s cultural and military traditions, inspiring unity and courage. Established in 1944, the Indian Air Force Band, with its diverse repertoire of Indian and Western music, continues to play a significant role in strengthening national spirit and promoting patriotism through its performances.
