What’s New?
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued detailed guidelines for the rendition of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram at official and public functions.
Whenever Vande Mataram is performed together with the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), the national song must be sung or played first.
The guidelines mandate that all six stanzas of the original composition by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay must be rendered — restoring the full version.
Key Protocols & Occasions
Official Ceremonies
To be sung/played on occasions such as:
Arrival and departure of the President and Governors at state functions
Unfurling of the National Flag
Civil investitures and award ceremonies
Before and after President’s address on state media (All India Radio & Television)
Schools & Public Events
Schools are encouraged to begin the day with the national song to foster respect for national symbols.
The song is also to be sung at government-organised public events with decorum.
Standing Protocol
Persons present must stand at attention when Vande Mataram is played or sung.
Exception: Standing is not required if the song is played as part of a newsreel or documentary in cinemas or screenings.
Details of the Official Version
The official rendition comprises all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, returned to its original form, covering approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds in duration.
Historical & Contextual Background
About Vande Mataram
Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the late 19th century in his novel Anandamath.
It was adopted as the National Song of India by the Constituent Assembly in 1950, distinct from the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana).
The full six stanzas were not commonly used historically; only the first two were sung at many formal functions.
Significance in Freedom Movement
Vande Mataram was a rallying cry in the Swadeshi Movement against British rule and symbolised patriotic fervour.
Its reinstatement reflects emphasis on national heritage and cultural identity in state protocols.
Legal & Protocol Status
Unlike the National Anthem, the national song does not yet have explicit constitutional or statutory protection, though the MHA’s guidelines give it formal ceremonial status at official events.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 currently applies explicitly to the National Anthem, but not to Vande Mataram.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
