New Delhi, Feb 11 : The Centre on Wednesday introduced a formal Vande Mataram protocol, mandating its rendition at government programmes and clarifying how it should be observed during official ceremonies. The directive, issued by the Union Home Ministry, establishes structured guidance on when the national song must be played, its placement alongside the national anthem, and the behaviour expected from attendees.
Official ceremonies to follow fixed sequence
According to the guidelines, the complete six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, lasting around three minutes and ten seconds, will form part of major state functions. It is to be performed during occasions such as the unfurling of the national flag, the arrival and departure of the President and Governors, and immediately before and after their formal addresses.
When both the national song and the anthem are scheduled in the same programme, Vande Mataram must be rendered first. The ministry has also instructed that all present should stand at attention during the performance of both.
Schools encouraged to promote national song
The Home Ministry has urged educational institutions to incorporate the song into morning assemblies and significant campus events to foster greater awareness of national symbols among students. For band performances, a bugle call or drum roll has been recommended to signal the start, ensuring uniform ceremonial practice across venues.
Cinema halls exempt from requirement
The directive differentiates official settings from entertainment spaces, stating that audiences in movie theatres will not be obligated to stand if the song appears in a film. Authorities noted that enforcing such a rule could interrupt screenings and create unnecessary confusion.
Formal structure introduced
Unlike the national anthem, which is governed by established executive instructions and legal provisions, Vande Mataram previously lacked a codified framework. The government is examining whether the protocol for the national song should eventually mirror that of the anthem, though no new legislation has been proposed so far.
The move coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, a milestone that has revived conversations around its historical importance and ceremonial role. With the latest directive, the Centre has formally integrated the national song into the structure of state protocol, placing it alongside the anthem at official functions.