The Central Government has issued new guidelines to make singing or playing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory in official programs. Under the latest order issued by the Home Ministry, a six-part version of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be presented on special state occasions, the duration of which will be 3 minutes 10 seconds.
In comparison, the duration of the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is 52 seconds. According to the new protocol, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung or played at important government events, on the occasion of hoisting the tricolor and at the time of arrival and departure of the President at formal functions.
It has been clarified in the guidelines that ‘Vande Mataram’ will be presented compulsorily in civil honor ceremonies like Padma Awards. If both ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ are played in a programme, then ‘Vande Mataram’ will be presented first and then the national anthem.
Under another important provision, the sound of Mridangam will be played before the national anthem. Also, it will be mandatory to stand during ‘Vande Mataram’ in government functions. However, this requirement will not apply to places like cinema halls.
Educational institutions have also been instructed to start the day with the national anthem. The government says these steps are aimed at ensuring uniformity and clear protocols in ceremonial procedures across various government institutions. Detailed guidelines regarding the approved version and its duration have been sent to the concerned authorities.
This decision has come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a year-long national program to commemorate 150 years of the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’. The Prime Minister inaugurated the celebrations by releasing a special commemorative postage stamp and commemorative coin on the occasion.
This nationwide event, running from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026, marks the 150th anniversary of the historic song, which took the form of a mass movement during India’s freedom struggle and is still considered a symbol of national pride.
‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 on the occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on 7 November that year. There was heated debate and conflict between the government and the opposition on this issue even during the winter session of Parliament.
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