Vande Mataram to Be Played Before National Anthem; Standing Mandatory at Official Events – Full Details of New Government Guidelines

In a significant move aimed at standardising ceremonial practices across the country, the Union Home Ministry has issued updated guidelines mandating that the national song Vande Mataram be played or sung at specified government events. The revised protocol clearly outlines the duration, sequence, and observance requirements during official functions.

As per the new mandate, the approved six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, lasting approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds, will be performed on important state occasions. This includes events where the Tricolour is unfurled or when the President of India arrives or departs from a formal gathering.

For context, the national anthem Jana Gana Mana has an officially prescribed duration of 52 seconds. The new framework clarifies the sequencing when both the national song and the national anthem are included in a programme.

Clear Order of Performance During Ceremonial Functions

According to the official notification, when both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are scheduled to be performed at a government event, the national song will be rendered first. The national anthem will follow thereafter in accordance with established protocol.

The guidelines also specify that the rendition may be accompanied by traditional instruments such as the mridangam, maintaining ceremonial dignity while adhering strictly to the approved composition and duration.

The directive further states that Vande Mataram will be played during the President’s arrival and departure at formal state functions, as well as at prestigious civilian award ceremonies including the Padma Awards. These clarifications are intended to remove ambiguity and ensure uniform implementation across ministries and departments.

Standing Mandatory at Official Events, Exemption for Cinemas

One of the key aspects of the updated regulations is the requirement that attendees must stand during the rendition of Vande Mataram at official government events. However, the Home Ministry has clarified that this requirement does not extend to movie theatres.

In addition, educational institutions have been instructed to continue playing the national anthem at the start of the school day, reinforcing adherence to established national protocol within academic settings.

Objective: Uniformity and Protocol Compliance

Government officials have stated that the move is designed to ensure consistency, clarity, and uniform ceremonial standards across government bodies. Detailed instructions regarding the approved version, duration, and manner of rendition have been circulated to relevant authorities to avoid procedural inconsistencies.

Sources indicate that the emphasis is on structured observance rather than introducing new symbolism, with the aim of maintaining decorum during official state ceremonies.

150 Years of Vande Mataram: Nationwide Commemorative Programme

The directive comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a year-long nationwide celebration marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The commemorative programme will run from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026.

To formally inaugurate the celebrations, the Prime Minister released a special commemorative stamp and coin dedicated to the national song. The initiative recognises the historical and cultural significance of Vande Mataram, which served as a powerful rallying cry during India’s freedom movement.

Originally composed in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chatterji on the occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7 that year, Vande Mataram later became deeply embedded in India’s nationalist consciousness.

Political Debate During Parliament Session

The updated protocol has also triggered debate in Parliament. During the Winter Session, members of both the ruling party and the opposition engaged in discussions and exchanges regarding the role, status, and ceremonial observance of the national song.

While the government maintains that the latest guidelines are administrative in nature and aimed at procedural clarity, the broader political discourse underscores the continued relevance of national symbols in contemporary governance.

As the country approaches the 150-year milestone of Vande Mataram, the updated regulations signal a renewed institutional emphasis on ceremonial structure, historical recognition, and protocol uniformity at official events.