New Delhi, India — Lok Sabha opened with Vande Mataram for the first time on the final day of the Monsoon Session before the House was adjourned sine die.

Lok Sabha witnessed a historic moment on Thursday, August 13, 2026, when proceedings began with the National Song Vande Mataram for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and members from across the House were present for the final sitting of the Monsoon Session.

All six stanzas of Vande Mataram were played at the beginning of proceedings. Soon afterwards, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha sine die, formally bringing the Monsoon Session to an end. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned sine die on the final day.

The event drew particular attention because of the National Song's enhanced legal status and newly prescribed protocol for official occasions. Parliament recently passed an amendment extending statutory protection to Vande Mataram similar to provisions applicable to the National Anthem.

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amended the existing 1971 law to provide specific legal protection to Vande Mataram. The legislation addresses intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the National Song.

The Union Home Ministry has also issued directions regarding official renditions of Vande Mataram. An official MHA order published in February 2026 lays down protocol relating to the National Song, adding to the framework governing its use at ceremonial and official events. Thursday's Lok Sabha opening therefore became one of the most visible parliamentary moments involving Vande Mataram after these changes.

The historic opening came at the end of a highly contentious Monsoon Session that began on July 20. Proceedings in both Houses were repeatedly disrupted by clashes between the government and Opposition over issues including protests by students and allegations surrounding Ram temple donations.

Speaker Om Birla did not deliver the customary detailed valedictory address highlighting the House's productivity before the adjournment. Opposition members continued slogan-shouting on the final day, reflecting the political tensions that dominated much of the session.

Outside the House, ruling BJP and Opposition MPs also staged rival demonstrations near Parliament's Makar Dwar, underlining the deep political divisions that persisted until the session's conclusion.

Despite the confrontations that marked the Monsoon Session, the playing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram created a distinctive closing moment in Parliament.

The National Song has long held an important place in India's freedom movement and public life. Its use to open Lok Sabha proceedings on August 13 has now added another chapter to its parliamentary history.

With the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die, attention will shift to the next parliamentary session, while the historic Vande Mataram opening is likely to remain one of the most discussed moments from the closing day of the 2026 Monsoon Session.