On February 11, 2026, the Centre issued formal guidelines governing the rendition of Vande Mataram at official programmes and how it is to be observed.
1 / 11
2 / 11
Parliament
3 / 11
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel Anandamath, which later became a rallying song during India’s freedom movement.
4 / 11
Traditionally, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung, after four stanzas were dropped following a Congress decision in 1937 to emphasise secular appeal.
5 / 11
In 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs undertook a detailed review of ceremonial practices related to national symbols and patriotic songs.
6 / 11
Under the new order, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must be sung or played at designated government functions — reinstating the full version of the national song.
7 / 11
The updated rules place Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana during official ceremonies and state functions with complete rendition fixed at approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
8 / 11
The guideline makes the national song compulsory at key state occasions, including government programmes and formal civic events.
9 / 11
Audiences in cinema halls are not required to stand when Vande Mataram is part of a film screening, as this could disrupt audiences and lead to confusion.
10 / 11
All schools are directed to include group singing of Vande Mataram in their daily routine and promote respect for the national song and flag.
11 / 11
The advisory calls on audiences to stand in respect when Vande Mataram is played at official functions, reinforcing uniform etiquette.
