The Union Home Ministry has issued detailed guidelines regarding the singing and playing of the National Song Vande Mataram, stating that all six stanzas must be rendered first when the National Song and the National Anthem Jan Gana Man are performed together.
In an order dated January 28, the Ministry laid down the first formal set of protocols governing the official version of the National Song. The directive specifies that the six stanzas, which have a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds, are to be sung at official functions including the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the National Flag, and speeches by Governors.
“When the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played, National Song will be sung or played first,” the order states.
Occasions for singing and playing
According to the guidelines, the official version of Vande Mataram shall be sung or played, accompanied by mass singing, on specific occasions. These include the unfurling of the National Flag, cultural or ceremonial functions other than parades, and the arrival of the President at government or public functions, among others.
The order further clarifies that whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention. However, an exception has been made for instances where the song is played as part of a newsreel or documentary film. In such cases, standing is not required, as doing so could interrupt the exhibition and cause disorder rather than add to the dignity of the National Song.
The Ministry has also stated that the official version must be recited with mass singing on all occasions where the National Song is sung. It added that the song may also be sung at events that, while not strictly ceremonial, are significant due to the presence of Ministers or other dignitaries.
“The singing of the National Song on such occasions [with or without the accompaniment of instruments] accompanied by mass singing is desirable,” the order noted.
At the same time, the Ministry clarified that it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of occasions when the National Song may be sung. It stated that there is no objection to singing the National Song with mass participation, provided it is done with due respect and proper decorum as a salutation to the motherland.
Public arrangements and coordination
The directive also emphasises logistical arrangements for ensuring coordinated singing. It calls for an adequate public audition system so that gatherings across various enclosures can sing in unison with the choir.
The order further suggests that printed lyrics of the official version be circulated among participants wherever necessary to facilitate participation.
Guidelines for schools
In educational institutions, the Ministry has recommended that the day’s work may begin with community singing of the National Song. School authorities have been advised to make adequate provisions in their programmes for popularising the singing of both the National Song and the National Anthem, while also promoting respect for the National Flag among students.
“The work in school shall begin with the playing of the National Song,” the order states, adding that institutions should actively encourage awareness and respect for national symbols.
150th year observance
The issuance of the protocol comes as the Centre observes the 150th year of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The order represents the first structured set of official instructions specifically outlining procedures for its rendition at government and public functions.
The Ministry’s directive provides clarity on sequencing, conduct, and participation norms when the National Song and National Anthem are performed, and establishes uniformity in practice across official and educational settings.
