The Union Ministry of home Affairs (MHA) has issued new protocol guidelines on singing Vande Mataram, India’s national song, at official and public events, including national ceremonies, flag‑hoisting functions, and school assemblies. Under the updated rules:

🎶 All six stanzas of Vande Mataram — as originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee — must now be sung or played in full at designated official occasions. Previously, only the first two stanzas were commonly used.

The home ministry has also specified that when both Vande Mataram and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) are performed together, the six‑stanza rendition of Vande Mataram must be presented first, followed by the anthem.

📜 The Original Six Stanzas of Vande Mataram

Vande Mataram was written in the 1870s and first published in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s novel Anandamath (1882). The full original song consists of six stanzas (verses) — not just the commonly sung first two. These six stanzas together narrate a poetic tribute to the Motherland, blending reverence, love, and imagery drawn from nature and culture.

While the full lyrics are not reproduced here due to copyright norms, here’s what these six stanzas represent:

Invocation to the Motherland — a salutation to the land of india as a nurturing mother.

Praise of Natural Beauty — celebrating rivers, forests, and landscapes that define the country.

Personification of the Nation — portraying the land as a divine figure embodying strength and grace.

Call to service and Sacrifice — urging devotion and dedication to the nation.

Unity and Resolve — emphasizing courage and collective spirit among her people.

Final Homage — a closing affirmation of love, loyalty, and faith in the Motherland.

🪩 Occasions When the Full Song Must Be Sung

According to the updated government guidelines:

• Official state events such as arrival and departure of the President and Governors at formal functions.
• Flag unfurling ceremonies, including Republic Day, Independence Day, and other national occasions.
• Civilian award functions and public programs where dignitaries are present.
• School assemblies and educational functions, particularly where national symbols are observed.
• Other events notified by the government where national symbols are traditionally celebrated.

At such events, all persons present are expected to stand at attention while Vande Mataram is sung or played, similar to the decorum for the national anthem.

🕰 Duration and Protocol

The official six‑stanza rendition has a prescribed duration of approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
When a band performs the national song, it may precede it with a drum roll to signal the start, especially at parades and formal functions.

🎤 Why This Change Was Made

The updated guidelines coincide with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and aim to:

• Restore the original composition in its entirety.
• Standardize ceremonial observance of the national song across government institutions and public life.
• Honour the historical and cultural significance of Vande Mataram as a rallying symbol during India’s freedom movement.

🪙 Standing Protocol

Under the new rules, audiences must stand in respect during the performance of Vande Mataram at official events, just as is customarily done for the national anthem — except in specific settings like cinema halls where practical considerations apply.

📌 Summary

✔ The government now mandates all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at official events.
✔ This represents the full original version composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
✔ It should be rendered before the national anthem when both are played.
✔ The performance should last about 3 minutes and 10 seconds and be treated with proper respect.

 

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