The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued its first formal set of guidelines governing the rendition of Vande Mataram, directing that all six stanzas of the National Song must be sung before the National Anthem when both are played together at official functions.
In an order dated January 28, the Ministry laid down detailed protocols for the performance of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The directive states that the complete six-stanza version, with a duration of 3 minutes and 10 seconds, shall be rendered in specific official settings.
Order of Performance
According to the guidelines, when both the National Song and the National Anthem — Jana Gana Mana — are scheduled to be played at the same event, Vande Mataram must be sung first, followed by the National Anthem.
The Ministry clarified that on all occasions when the National Song is performed, only the official version shall be used and it must be accompanied by mass singing. The directive aims to bring uniformity and clarity in ceremonial practices across government events.
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Occasions Covered
The order specifies that the six-stanza rendition shall be sung at formal state functions, including:
- Arrival of the President at ceremonial events
- Unfurling of the National Flag
- Addresses by Governors
- Other official government functions where both the National Song and Anthem are played
Until now, while protocols existed for the National Anthem, there were no comprehensive guidelines governing the performance of the National Song. The latest directive fills that gap by prescribing both sequence and format.
Duration and Format
The Ministry has fixed the duration of the full rendition of Vande Mataram at 3 minutes and 10 seconds, covering all six stanzas. The order underscores that the version used must adhere strictly to the approved official text and composition.
It also reiterates that the singing should be dignified and respectful, consistent with the solemnity of national ceremonies.
Background
Vande Mataram was composed in the late 19th century by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and later included in his novel Anandamath. It played a significant role during India’s freedom movement and was adopted as the National Song.
The National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore and formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.
While the Anthem’s protocol has long been governed by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act and related executive instructions, the National Song did not have an equivalent structured set of performance norms. The January 28 order represents the first consolidated instruction from the Union government in this regard.
Uniform Implementation
Officials indicated that the directive has been circulated to States and Union Territories for implementation at government functions. Institutions conducting official ceremonies are expected to comply with the sequence and format prescribed.
With the new guidelines in place, the performance order at joint renditions is now clearly defined: Vande Mataram in full six-stanza version, followed by the National Anthem.
