The Union Home Ministry has issued fresh guidelines making it compulsory to sing or play the national song Vande Mataram at selected government functions. As per the new mandate, the six-stanza version of Vande Mataram will now be performed at special state occasions and other significant national events.

According to the directive, the six-stanza rendition will last 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The guidelines state that it will be required during major ceremonial occasions, including the unfurling of the Tricolour and events where the President attends formal functions. The national song will be played both at the arrival and departure of the President during such official events.

In comparison, the national anthem Jana Gana Mana has a duration of 52 seconds.

The Home Ministry has also specified that when both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are played at the same event, Vande Mataram will be rendered first, followed by the national anthem. The new rules further mention that the sound of the mridangam will precede the national anthem as part of the official protocol.

The guidelines also make it clear that standing during Vande Mataram will be mandatory at government functions and official events. However, this rule will not apply in places like cinema halls, where such a requirement has not been extended.

Apart from this, the directive includes instructions for educational institutions as well. The guidelines state that schools have been directed to begin the day with the national anthem, ensuring the anthem is part of the daily routine.

Officials explained that the objective behind the move is to maintain consistency in ceremonial practices. “Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uniformity and protocol in ceremonial observances across government institutions,” the report stated.

The guidelines also confirm that the government has circulated detailed instructions to the concerned departments. “Detailed guidelines regarding the approved version and its duration have been circulated to relevant authorities,” officials said.

The new directive has come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a year-long programme to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. The Prime Minister began the celebrations by releasing a special commemorative stamp and coin dedicated to the national song.

The nationwide programme will run from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, marking 150 years since the song was composed. Vande Mataram is remembered as a powerful symbol of India’s freedom movement and continues to hold strong national importance.

The national song was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji for Akshaya Navami in 1875, which that year fell on November 7.

Meanwhile, the Winter Session of Parliament also saw strong political exchanges related to the issue. The report noted that Parliament witnessed “heated debates and exchanges between the government and Opposition” during discussions surrounding the national song.

Under the new Home Ministry guidelines, Vande Mataram will also be performed at civilian honour ceremonies, including the Padma Awards, reinforcing its importance in formal national events. With these changes, the government aims to standardise how national symbols are observed across official programmes.