National fervour reached a crescendo during the IPL 2025 closing ceremony on Tuesday, setting an emotionally charged stage for the much-anticipated final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

Patriotic spirit echoed through the stadium as stirring anthems like `Dushman ke chhakke chhudaa de, hum India wale` and `Sabse aage honge Hindustani` reverberated across the packed arena. The event paid glowing tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, with messages such as `Honouring the Indian Armed Forces`, `Salute to the Armed Forces`, and `Thank You Armed Forces` prominently displayed on digital advertising boards along the boundary and first tier of the world’s largest cricket venue.

Renowned Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan, joined by his sons Siddharth and Shivam, delivered a powerful and emotional performance that captivated the near-capacity crowd. Their musical set included a string of soul-stirring patriotic numbers, such as `Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe` and the title track from Lakshya, `Ae Watan Mere Aabad Rahe Tu`, and A.R. Rahman’s iconic `Vande Mataram`. The ceremonial concert concluded with an emphatic rendition of `Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani`, leaving fans both inspired and electrified.