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, 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.Next Story