New Protocol: All Six Stanzas of Vande Mataram Mandatory Before National Anthem

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new set of instructions regarding the performance of the National Song and the National Anthem. According to the directive, whenever the National Song “Vande Mataram” and the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” are performed or played together, all six stanzas of the National Song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay must be sung first.

For the first time, the Ministry has defined a specific protocol for singing “Vande Mataram”. These rules apply to official programs such as the arrival of the President, the hoisting of the National Flag, and speeches by Governors.

In such instances, all six stanzas of the National Song, which have a total duration of three minutes and ten seconds, must be performed. This order was officially released on January 28.

The guidelines further state that the school day must begin with the singing of the National Song. The Ministry emphasized that whenever the National Song is played, everyone present is required to stand in an attentive posture to show respect. However, an exception is made for cinema or documentaries; if the National Song is played as part of a film or newsreel, the audience is not expected to stand.