The Union Home Ministry has issued an order making it mandatory that the six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, consisting of three minutes and 10 seconds, be played on all official occasions including the hoisting of the tricolor and the arrival of the President.

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry of the Government of India has issued an important order regarding “Vande Mataram” on official and ceremonial occasions. According to the new directive, it will now be mandatory to play or sing the full six-verse version of Vande Mataram before the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” at government functions, national events and special formal occasions. This version will last for a total of 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

The Home Ministry has clarified that if both the National Anthem and the National Song are presented in an event, then Vande Mataram will be sung or played first and then Jana Gana Mana. Along with this, the people present will have to stand in a posture of respect (at attention) during both.

Detailed order of 10 pages – Where will the rule apply?

The Home Ministry’s detailed 10-page order issued on January 28 lists all occasions where the full version of Vande Mataram will be mandatory. These mainly include:

• Occasions of hoisting the National Flag (Tricolor)








• On arrival of the President at any event








• Before and after the President’s address to the nation








• Before and after the Governor’s official speeches








• In other major government, cultural and national importance events

The order also states that this rule will apply to all departments, public sector undertakings and government institutions of the Central and State Governments.

Why is “Vande Mataram” important?

“Vande Mataram” is a song originally from the novel Anandamath (1882) written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which served as an inspiration for the Indian independence struggle. It is considered a symbol of patriotism and has historically been the battle cry of agitators. Although it officially has the status of national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana” is the national anthem of India. For a long time there has been a debate on various forums as to what should be the place and order of the two on formal occasions. This new order of the Home Ministry now removes this confusion.

Till now a short or partial version of Vande Mataram was played in many events. The new order clarifies that only the complete version (3:10 minutes) of six verses will be valid. The government argues that this will maintain the original form and emotional depth of the song. It also shows respect for the cultural and historical heritage of the country.