New Rules for Vande Mataram: Must Be Sung Before National Anthem, Standing Mandatory

The Union Home Ministry has issued a detailed order mandating that all six stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram be sung or played at official functions and other notified occasions. This includes the last four stanzas that were dropped during the Jawaharlal Nehru government, allegedly to maintain the song’s “secular” appeal.

The order, dated 06.02.2026, lays down the “official version” of Vande Mataram, encapsulating all six stanzas of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s original composition. It also specifies that the duration for which the song shall be played or sung will be 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The order clearly outlines the occasions on which Vande Mataram must be sung or played, along with the protocols to be observed to accord due honour to the national song.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) instructions coincide with a significant cultural milestone the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the creation of ‘Vande Mataram’, a song that played a central role during India’s freedom movement.

Standing Mandatory, With Cinema Exception

According to the guidelines, all members of the audience present when the national song is played must stand in an attention pose. However, this requirement will not be mandatory in cinema halls when Vande Mataram is played as part of a film or during newsreels, as “as a standing audience interferes with viewing of the film and can lead to disturbance of peace and disorder”.

Where and When the Song Will Be Played

As per the MHA’s instructions, Vande Mataram is to be played at all civil honorary ceremonies, official state functions, and events organised by the government that are graced by the President of India. The national song shall be played both upon the arrival and departure of the President from such functions.

The order further states that Vande Mataram shall also be played before and after the President’s address to the nation broadcast on state media platforms such as Akashwani and Doordarshan.

At the state level, the national song will be played at all official state functions upon the arrival and departure of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor. In addition, Vande Mataram shall be played at any other occasion in respect of which the Government of India has issued an enabling order.

Ceremonial Drill and Musical Protocol

The guidelines also spell out the ceremonial drill to be followed. Before the national song is played, there will be a drumroll, and an instrument like a ‘mridang’ or trumpet shall be played. In the case of a marching drill, there will be seven steps leading to the start of the national song.

Cultural Events, Public Functions and Schools

In its instructions regarding the singing of Vande Mataram, the MHA said the song would be sung at all cultural events and occasions where the National Flag is being hoisted. It may also be sung upon the arrival and departure of the President of India at government and public functions other than formal state events.

The ministry has clearly instructed that all six stanzas of the national song, as per the official version, must be sung at such events. Informal events attended by ministers may also witness group renditions of the song.

The guidelines extend to educational institutions as well. Morning assemblies of all schools across the country must incorporate group singing of Vande Mataram, the MHA has directed.

With this order, the Centre aims to bring uniformity in the rendition of the national song, reinforce its historical and cultural importance, and ensure wider public participation in honouring Vande Mataram during official, cultural, and educational occasions nationwide.