India Revises Ceremonial Guidelines: Vande Mataram Takes Lead Before National Anthem |

Updated: February 11, 2026 13:52

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines mandating that Vande Mataram be sung before the national anthem Jana Gana Mana at official events. The directive requires all six stanzas to be performed, with attendees standing in attention. The move marks a significant ceremonial shift in national protocol.

Key Highlights

New Protocol

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that whenever Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are performed together, Vande Mataram must be sung first. This marks a formal change in ceremonial sequence after decades of practice.

Full Version Mandated

The guidelines require the six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, lasting about 3 minutes and 10 seconds, to be sung at government events, schools, and public ceremonies.

Standing in Attention

Attendees must stand in attention during the singing or playing of Vande Mataram, similar to the protocol for the national anthem.

Scope of Application

The rules apply to government functions, schools, civil award ceremonies, and events attended by the President. However, they do not extend to movie screenings or documentaries, where standing could disrupt viewing.

Historical Context

Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s, Vande Mataram was adopted as India’s national song in 1950. The new directive coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song, underscoring its cultural significance.

Political Dimension

The move follows debates over the omission of the last four stanzas in earlier decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized the importance of restoring the full version, framing it as a matter of national pride.

Outlook

The revised guidelines elevate Vande Mataram to a more prominent ceremonial role, reinforcing its symbolic importance in India’s national identity. While welcomed by many as a patriotic gesture, the directive may spark renewed debate over inclusivity and interpretation of national symbols in diverse cultural contexts.

Sources: Reuters, Financial Express, News18, Economic Times, Indian Express

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