New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has issued an order mandating all six stanzas of the national anthem”van der matalan” — including the last four songs abandoned by the Jawaharlal-led Nehru government, purportedly to preserve the song’s “secular” appeal — should be sung at all official events and other occasions.The order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 6, 2026, provides for the “official version” of the song – encompassing all six verses of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s original composition. The order states that “the duration of the song to be performed or sung shall be 3 minutes and 10 seconds” while stipulating the occasions on which ‘Vande Mataram’ should be sung or performed and the protocols to be followed to respect the national anthem.
MHA’s directive for ‘Vande Mataram’ coincides with the celebration of the song’s 150th anniversary.When the national anthem is played, all spectators present must stand at attention. However, this rule should not be enforced in cinema halls when Vande Mataram is shown as part of a film or during newsreels “as standing spectators interfere with the viewing of the film and may result in a disturbance of peace and order”.According to instructions from the Ministry of Interior, the national anthem should be played when the flag takes part in a procession. It will also be played at all civilian award/honor ceremonies, official national events and events organized by the government and chaired by the President of India. The song should be played when the president arrives and leaves such duties.‘Vande Mataram’ will also be broadcast on state media like Akashwani and Doordarshan before and after the President’s address to the nation.At the state level, the national anthem should be played at all official state functions upon the arrival and departure of the governor or lieutenant governor.Further, the Vande Mataram competition shall also be played on any other occasion where a warrant has been issued by the Government of India.Before the band plays the national anthem, there are drums – instruments such as the “mridang” or trumpet are required. In marching training, there are seven steps before the national anthem begins.In its directive on singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the song will be sung at all cultural events and occasions where the national flag is hoisted. Apart from official state functions, the song can also be sung by the President of India upon arrival and departure at government and public functions.The Ministry of Interior has directed that all six verses of the national anthem must be sung at such events, according to the official version.Informal events attended by ministers may also witness collective singing of the song.> As per MHA guidelines, morning assemblies in all schools must include collective singing of the national anthem.
