State government issues detailed guidelines; collective rendition of Vande Mataram mandatory to mark its 150th anniversary
Raipur, July 17, 2026/ Chhattisgarh government has begun preparations for Independence Day 2026, issuing comprehensive guidelines for celebrations across the State with a special focus on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. To mark the historic milestone, the collective rendition of the national song has been made mandatory at all official Independence Day functions.
The main state-level celebration will be held at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur at 9 am, where Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai will hoist the National Flag, take the salute at the ceremonial parade and address the people of the state. Parade contingents of the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, CAF (men and women), Home Guards, NCC and band platoons will participate in the ceremony.
Detailed instructions have been issued to district collectors and heads of departments to ensure uniform observance of Independence Day across Chhattisgarh. At district headquarters, Ministers nominated by the state government will lead the celebrations by hoisting the National Flag, taking the parade salute and reading out the Chief Minister’s message. School children will present cultural programmes, while local bodies, including Janpad Panchayats, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Gram Panchayats, will organise flag-hoisting ceremonies and programmes promoting national unity and integrity.
The Government has also directed district administrations to honour freedom fighters and the families of security personnel martyred in Naxal violence during district-level functions. Official advertisements released on August 15 will pay tribute to the heroes of India’s freedom struggle and the bravehearts of Chhattisgarh.
As part of the celebrations, government buildings, offices and monuments of national importance will be illuminated on the evening of August 15. Citizens and private institutions have also been encouraged to hoist the National Flag and illuminate their premises.
The guidelines further require government offices and educational institutions to complete flag-hoisting ceremonies before 9 a.m., along with the National Anthem, Prabhat Pheris, cultural and literary programmes, sports events and plantation drives. The use of loudspeakers will require prior permission from the district collector, and only patriotic songs appropriate to the solemnity of the occasion may be played.