MHA Updates Rules on Order of National Song and Anthem

The Union Home Ministry has issued fresh guidelines stating that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must be sung before the National Anthem when both are played together at official events. The directive, dated January 28, 2026, lays down the first formal protocol for the National Song. The full rendition of the six stanzas takes around 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The Centre is also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram this year, marking a historic milestone in India’s national movement.

MHA Guidelines on Vande Mataram: What the New Order Says

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified the official order of performance when both the National Song and National Anthem are played.
• As per the directive, Vande Mataram must be sung first, followed by the National Anthem, Jan Gana Man.
• All six stanzas of the National Song must be performed at official functions.
• This is the first time a structured protocol has been issued regarding its order, duration, and decorum.
• The move aims to ensure uniformity and respect during ceremonial events.
• The directive gains added importance as the nation commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram in 2026.

Standing Protocol and Public Decorum During Vande Mataram

• The MHA has clearly stated that whenever the official version of Vande Mataram is sung or played, the audience must stand in attention as a mark of respect.
• However, an exception has been made for situations where the National Song is played as part of a documentary or newsreel.
• In such cases, standing is not mandatory because it may disrupt the screening and create confusion.
• The guidelines emphasize maintaining proper decorum and dignity. Mass singing is encouraged, provided it is done respectfully as a salutation to the motherland.

When Will Vande Mataram Be Played at Official Events?

The new MHA directive outlines specific occasions where Vande Mataram should be sung or played. It will accompany events such as,

• Unfurling of the National Flag
• Cultural and ceremonial functions (excluding parades)
• Arrival of the President at public functions
• Significant gatherings attended by Ministers

The guidelines recommend mass singing with instrumental accompaniment wherever possible. An adequate public sound system must be arranged so that participants can sing in unison. Printed lyrics may also be distributed to ensure participation and uniformity.

Schools and Public Institutions: New Responsibility

• The MHA has also directed that school activities should begin with the playing of Vande Mataram.
• Educational institutions are encouraged to promote the singing of both the National Song and the National Anthem while fostering respect for the National Flag.
• School authorities must make proper arrangements to popularize the official version of the National Song among students.
• This step is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen civic values and patriotic awareness among young citizens.

About Vande Mataram: Overview

• Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s.
• It was included in his novel Anandamath. The song became a powerful slogan during India’s freedom struggle.
• In 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted Vande Mataram as the National Song of India, while Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the National Anthem.
• Only the first two stanzas are commonly sung, but the MHA now mandates all six stanzas during official performances when played with the Anthem.

Question

Q. Who composed Vande Mataram?

A) Rabindranath Tagore
B) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
C) Subramania Bharati
D) Sarojini Naidu