New Delhi: The Union home ministry has issued an order requiring all six stanzas of the national anthemvan 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 stipulates that the duration of the song to be played or sung shall be 3 minutes and 10 seconds, and also stipulates the occasions on which “Vande Mataram” shall be sung or performed and the protocols to be followed in commemoration of 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”.As per the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the national anthem will be played at all civil honor ceremonies, official state functions and functions organized by the government 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 national anthem is played, there are drums – an instrument like a “mridang” or a trumpet is played. 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.
