Centre Mandates Full ‘Vande Mataram’ at Events

The Union Home Ministry has issued fresh guidelines making it mandatory to sing all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official government events and school assemblies.

The order, dated February 6, 2026, defines the “official version” of the national song. It includes all six stanzas from the original composition written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

According to the notification, the full version of the song will have a duration of 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The ministry has also laid down detailed instructions regarding when and how the national song should be played or sung.

The announcement coincides with the 150th anniversary of the creation of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Under the new guidelines, the national song must be played at official state functions and government-organised events attended by the President of India. It will be played both when the President arrives and when they depart from such functions.

The song will 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, ‘Vande Mataram’ must be played at official functions when the Governor or Lieutenant Governor arrives and leaves the venue.

The Home Ministry has further stated that the national song should be played when the national flag is brought to a parade. It will also be part of civilian award and honour ceremonies.

In schools, the guidelines require that morning assemblies include group singing of the national song. Cultural events where the national flag is hoisted must also incorporate its rendition.

The instructions clarify that all members of the audience must stand in attention when the song is played. However, this rule will not apply in cinema halls if the song is part of a film or news reel. The ministry noted that requiring audiences to stand in such settings may disturb the viewing experience and could lead to inconvenience.

The order also outlines ceremonial details. Before the national song is played by a band, there will be a drumroll using instruments such as a mridang or trumpet. During marching drills, seven steps will precede the start of the song.

The guidelines mention that informal events attended by ministers may also include group singing of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Additionally, the song may be played on other occasions if specifically authorised by the Government of India.

The Home Ministry’s notification formally establishes the full six-stanza version as the standard rendition for official use going forward.

No further changes to existing national anthem protocols were mentioned in the order.