The government has mandated that a six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, with a duration of three minutes and ten seconds, be played or sung during all official ceremonies and state functions, sources said.

According to the mandate, the rendition will be required during significant occasions, including the unfurling of the Tricolour and the arrival of the President at formal events.

It will also be played or sung before and after the President’s speeches or national addresses.

The directive further extends to events involving state governors. The anthem is to be rendered before and after their arrival and speeches in official programmes.

Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uniformity and protocol in ceremonial observances across government institutions. Detailed guidelines regarding the approved version and its duration have been circulated to relevant authorities.

The government’s directive follows closely on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of a year-long commemoration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The Prime Minister inaugurated the celebrations by releasing a special commemorative stamp and coin in honour of the national song.

The nationwide programme, running from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, marks a century and a half since the composition of the iconic song that became a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle and remains a symbol of national pride.

Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji for Akshaya Navami in 1875, which that year fell on November 7.

The Winter Session of Parliament also witnessed heated debates and exchanges between the government and Opposition during discussions on the national song.

Source: India Today