New Guidelines: Centre Issues New Guidelines on Vande Mataram, Six Stanzas to Be Sung

The Government of India has issued new guidelines regarding the singing of the national song Vande Mataram. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the national song will now be performed in its complete six-stanza version instead of the earlier three stanzas at designated official events. The full rendition will last approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The government has also clarified that if both the national song and the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) are played at the same event, Vande Mataram will be sung first, followed by the national anthem. During both, attendees will be required to stand in an attentive posture, similar to the protocol observed for the national anthem. The guidelines specify occasions where the national song will be performed, including civil honour ceremonies, government functions, the arrival and departure of the President and Governors, before and after the President’s address to the nation, and during parades when the national flag is brought in. The move has triggered political reactions, with AIMIM alleging electoral motivations, while the government maintains it is a procedural clarification.