Centre issues detailed protocol for rendition of Vande Mataram at government/public events
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued comprehensive guidelines formalising the official protocol for the rendition of Vande Mataram, outlining when and how India’s national song should be performed at government and public functions.
The Ministry forwarded the “Orders relating to the National Song of India” for strict compliance and necessary instructions to concerned agencies.
The MHA guidelines seek to standardise the ceremonial status of Vande Mataram, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and clarify the occasions on which it must be played or sung, along with the decorum to be observed by the public.
Official version and duration
According to the Home Ministry, the official version of Vande Mataram comprises all six stanzas and has an approximate duration of 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
Occasions for playing the National Song
The official version is to be played on the following occasions:
- Civil investiture ceremonies
- On the arrival and departure of the President at formal State functions and other government-organised events
- Immediately before and after the President addresses the nation over All India Radio and television
- On the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions within their respective States/UTs
- When the National Flag is brought on parade
The National Song may also be played on other occasions as directed by the Government of India.
Where performed by a band, the song must be preceded by a roll of drums lasting seven paces in slow march, unless another clear indication is given that the rendition is about to begin.
Mass singing and schools
The guidelines provide for mass singing of the official version during:
- Unfurling of the National Flag at cultural or ceremonial functions (other than parades)
- Arrival of the President at government or public functions (excluding formal State functions), and immediately before his departure
The Ministry said that on all occasions where the National Song is sung, it must be the official six-stanza version and should preferably be accompanied by mass participation.
Schools have been advised to begin the day with community singing of the National Song and to promote respect for the National Song, National Anthem and National Flag among students.
Conduct and order of rendition
The guidelines mandate that whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played, the audience must stand to attention. However, if it forms part of a newsreel or documentary film, audiences are not required to stand to avoid disruption.
The Ministry clarified that when both the National Song and the National Anthem are played at the same event, Vande Mataram must be rendered first, followed by the National Anthem.
The new protocol aims to ensure uniformity and proper decorum in the observance of the National Song at official events across the country.
