MHA Orders on Vande Mataram: Usage, Respect, and Ceremonial Rules of National Song

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines, effective February 2026, to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The orders restore the full six-stanza composition as the mandatory official version for use at government events and in schools, replacing the earlier practice of singing only two stanzas. The song must be performed on designated occasions, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, civil investitures, and the President’s arrival or departure at official functions. When Vande Mataram and the National Anthem are both played, Vande Mataram must come first. Audiences are required to stand at attention whenever the song is performed, except in cinema halls where standing is not expected if it appears within a film or newsreel. Schools are encouraged to begin the day with community singing of the song. The official rendition is set at 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The guidelines were posted on the MHA website on February 6, 2026.

advtanmoy 12/02/2026 4 minutes read

National Song of India Protocol: When and How Vande Mataram Should Be Performed

ORDERS RELATING TO THE NATIONAL SONG OF INDIA

The National Song of India is played or sung on various occasions. The following instructions are issued for general information and guidance regarding the official version of the National Song, the occasions on which it is to be played or sung, and the need to maintain proper decorum and respect on such occasions.

I. THE NATIONAL SONG — OFFICIAL VERSION

The song “Vande Mataram”, written by Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, is recognized as the National Song of India.
The official lyrics are as follows: Vande Mataram!
Sujalam suphalam malayaja-śītalām,
Sasyasyāmalaṁ Mātaram!
Vande Mataram!Śubhra-jyotsnāṁ pulakita-yāminīm,
Phulla-kusumita druma-dala-śobhinīm,
Suhāsinīm sumadhura bhāsinīm,
Sukhadam varadam Mātaram!
Vande Mataram!Koṭi-koṭi kaṇṭha kalakala nināda karāle,
Koṭi-koṭi bhujair dhṛta khara-karāvale,
Ke bole Mā tumi abale!
Bahubaladhāriṇīm namāmi tāriṇīm,
Ripudala-vāriṇīm Mātaram!
Vande Mataram!Tumi vidyā, tumi dharma,
Tumi hṛdi, tumi marma,
Tvam hi prāṇaḥ śarīre!
Bahute tumi Mā śakti,
Hṛdaye tumi Mā bhakti,
Tomārai pratīmā gaḍi maṇḍire-maṇḍire.
Vande Mataram!Tvam hi Durgā daśa-praharaṇa-dhāriṇī,
Kamalā kamala-dala-vihāriṇī,
Vāṇī vidyā-dāyinī,
Namāmi tvām namāmi kamalam,
Amalam atulam,
Sujalam suphalam Mātaram!
Vande Mataram! Śyāmalam saralam suśmitam bhūṣitam,
Dharanīm bharanīm Mātaram!
Vande Mataram!
The playing time of the National Song is approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

II. PLAYING OF THE NATIONAL SONG

The official version of the National Song shall be played on the following occasions:i. Civil Investitures
ii. On the arrival of the President at formal State functions and other Government-organized functions, and on his departure from such events
iii. Immediately before and after the President addresses the Nation on All India Radio or Television
iv. On the arrival of the Governor/Lieutenant Governor at formal State functions within their State/Union Territory and on departure from such events
v. When the National Flag is brought on parade
The National Song may also be played on any other occasion for which special orders are issued by the Government of India.
When the National Song is played by a band, it shall be preceded by a roll of drums to alert the audience, unless another indication (e.g., fanfares) is provided.
The roll shall be:
- Equivalent to 7 paces in slow march
- Starting softly, rising to maximum volume, and gradually diminishing to the original softness
- Followed by one beat of rest, after which the National Song will begin

III. MASS SINGING OF THE NATIONAL SONG

The official version of the National Song shall be played accompanied by mass singing on the following occasions:i. During the unfurling of the National Flag at cultural or ceremonial events other than parades
- A choir of adequate size may be arranged and properly trained to coordinate with the band. A public address system should ensure that all attendees can sing in unison. Printed lyrics may be distributed as required
ii. On the arrival of the President at any Government or public function (excluding formal State functions), and immediately before his departure from such events
On all occasions when the National Song is sung, the official version must be used and must be accompanied by mass singing.
The National Song may also be sung at significant events attended by Ministers, even if the occasion is not strictly ceremonial. Accompaniment by instruments is optional.
There is no objection to singing the National Song with mass participation on any occasion, provided it is done with due respect and proper decorum, as a salutation to the motherland.
In all schools, the day may begin with community singing of the National Song.
Schools should make appropriate arrangements to:
- Promote the singing of the National Song and the National Anthem
- Encourage respect for the National Flag among students

IV. GENERAL GUIDELINES

Whenever the official version of the National Song is played or sung, the audience shall stand to attention.
However, if the National Song is included in a newsreel or documentary, the audience is not expected to stand, as doing so would disrupt the film screening and cause confusion.
When both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed, the National Song shall be presented first.

12th February, 2026

Lyrics of Vande Mataram

वन्दे मातरम् सुजलां सुफलां मलयजशीतलाम्, शस्यशामलां मातरम् ।

शुभ्र ज्योत्स्ना पुलकित यामिनीं, फुल्ल कुसुमित द्रुमदल शोभिनीं, सुहासिनीं सुमधुर भाषिणीं, सुखदां वरदां मातरम् ।। १ ।।

वन्दे मातरम् ।

कोटि-कोटि-कण्ठ-कल-कल-निनाद-कराले, कोटि-कोटि-भुजैर्धृत-खरकरवाले, अबला केन मा एत बले ।

बहुबलधारिणीं नमामि तारिणीं रिपुदलवारिणीं मातरम् ।। २ ।।

वन्दे मातरम् ।

तुमि विद्या, तुमि धर्म, तुमि हृदि, तुमि मर्म त्वं हि प्राणा: शरीरे, बाहुते तुमि मा शक्ति, हृदये तुमि मा भक्ति, तोमारई प्रतिमा गडि मन्दिरे-मन्दिरे मातरम् ।। ३ ।।

वन्दे मातरम् ।

त्वं हि दुर्गा दशप्रहरणधारिणी, कमला कमलदलविहारिणी, वाणी विद्यादायिनी, नमामि त्वाम् नमामि कमलां अमलां अतुलां सुजलां सुफलां मातरम् ।। ४ ।।

वन्दे मातरम् ।

श्यामलां सरलां सुस्मितां भूषितां धरणीं भरणीं मातरम् ।। ५ ।।

वन्दे मातरम् ।।