NEW DELHI. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued detailed guidelines formalising the official protocol for the rendition of Vande Mataram at government and public functions across the country. Circulating the “Orders relating to the National Song of India” for strict compliance, the Ministry has outlined when and how the national song—originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee—should be performed, along with the decorum to be observed. The official version comprises all six stanzas and has an approximate duration of 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The move aims to standardise ceremonial practices and ensure uniformity in its observance nationwide.
According to the guidelines, the official version of Vande Mataram must be played during civil investiture ceremonies; on the arrival and departure of the President at formal State functions and other government-organised events; immediately before and after the President’s address to the nation on All India Radio and television; on the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions within their respective States or Union Territories; and when the National Flag is brought on parade. The song may also be played on other occasions as directed by the Government of India. When performed by a band, it must be preceded by a roll of drums lasting seven paces in slow march, unless another clear indication is given. Provisions have also been made for mass singing during the unfurling of the National Flag at cultural or ceremonial functions (other than parades) and during the President’s arrival and departure at public functions that are not formal State events.
The Ministry has mandated that whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played, the audience must stand to attention, except when it forms part of a newsreel or documentary film where standing is not required to avoid disruption. It further clarified that if both Vande Mataram and the National Anthem are rendered at the same event, the National Song must be performed first, followed by the National Anthem. Schools have been advised to begin the day with community singing of the official version and to promote respect for the National Song, National Anthem and National Flag among students, reinforcing awareness and decorum from an early age.
