‘Vande Mataram’

‘Vande Mataram’

Context

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued fresh guidelines formalizing the protocol for the National Song, 'Vande Mataram'. The order coincides with the ongoing nationwide celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the song’s creation (November 1875). For the first time, the government has mandated the singing of all six stanzas of the original composition at official functions.

About the New Guidelines

Standardization of Rendition: The MHA has notified that the "official version" of the National Song now encapsulates all six stanzas written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. This restores the full original length, which had historically been shortened to the first two stanzas in 1937.

Key Protocol Features:

• Official Duration: The prescribed duration for the full six-stanza rendition is 3 minutes and 10 seconds (190 seconds).
• Order of Performance: When both the National Song and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) are performed together, the National Song must be played first.
• Mandatory Occasions:
  • Union Level: Played during civil investiture ceremonies and upon the arrival/departure of the President of India at formal state functions.
  • State Level: Played upon the arrival/departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at official functions.
  • Public Media: Broadcast before and after the President’s address on Akashwani (AIR) and Doordarshan.
  • Events: Played during the unfurling of the National Flag at ceremonial or cultural functions.
• Schools: The MHA advised that the day's work in all schools may begin with community singing of the National Song to promote familiarity among students.

Protocols & Decorum

• Audience Posture: Whenever the official version is played or sung, the audience must stand in attention.
• Exemptions: Standing is not mandatory in cinema halls when the song is played as part of a film, newsreel, or documentary, to avoid disruption of the viewing experience.
• Ceremonial Signals:
  • Drumroll: When played by a band, the song must be preceded by a roll of drums (or mridangam/trumpet).
  • Marching Drill: In a marching context, the drumroll should last seven paces in a slow march before the song commences.
• Mass Participation: Guidelines encourage "mass singing" at public events, suggesting the use of choirs and the distribution of printed lyrics to ensure unison.

Historical & Significance

• 150th Anniversary: The song was originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875 (Akshaya Navami). The 150-year celebration runs from November 2025 to November 2026.
• Cultural Reaffirmation: The guidelines seek to restore the song's original status as a rallying cry during the Indian freedom struggle.
• Legal Standing: While the National Anthem has explicit statutory protection, this order serves as the first formal executive protocol to standardize the rendition of the National Song.

Conclusion

The MHA's 2026 guidelines transition 'Vande Mataram' from a flexible cultural hymn to a formally regulated national symbol with a standardized protocol. By mandating the full six stanzas and prioritizing its placement before the National Anthem, the government aims to reinforce historical continuity and national pride during the song’s sesquicentennial year.