New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a detailed notification on the observance of India’s National Song ‘Vande Mataram’. The notification states that whenever the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played together, the National Song must be rendered first, formally establishing the ceremonial sequence to be followed at official and public events.
According to the MHA, the official version of the National Song is to be played at civil investiture ceremonies; on the arrival and departure of the President at formal State functions and other government-organised events; immediately before and after the President addresses the nation on All India Radio or television; and on the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions within their respective States or Union Territories.
The song is also prescribed when the National Flag is brought on parade, as well as on any other occasion for which special orders may be issued by the Government of India.
Where performed by a band, the National Song must be preceded by a drum roll—lasting seven paces in slow march and rising to peak volume before softening—followed by a single beat of rest prior to commencement, unless another clear musical signal such as a fanfare is used.
The MHA has also outlined situations in which the National Song should be accompanied by mass singing. These include the unfurling of the National Flag at cultural or ceremonial functions other than parades, and the arrival and departure of the President at government or public functions that are not formal State ceremonies.
On such occasions, the official version must be recited in coordination with collective singing. The notification adds that the National Song may be sung at other significant gatherings attended by ministers or dignitaries—even if not strictly ceremonial—provided it is rendered with due respect and proper decorum.
Schools have been encouraged to begin the day with community singing of the National Song and to make suitable arrangements for promoting respect for the National Anthem and the National Flag among students.
The audience are required to stand up during the playing or singing of Vande Mataram, as per the new rules.
The MHA has reiterated that audiences must stand to attention whenever the National Song is sung or played. An exception applies when the song appears as part of a newsreel or documentary film, where standing is not expected as it could interrupt the screening and create disorder.
Crucially, the notification underscores the ceremonial hierarchy: when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed, the National Song is to be rendered first.
The duration of the Vande Mataram song under the new rules will be 190 seconds, which will cover the official six-stanza version.
The government said the consolidated instructions are intended to ensure uniform practice, dignity and respect in the observance of national symbols across official functions, educational institutions and public ceremonies throughout the country.
