Centre Directs Full ‘Vande Mataram’ at Official Events

The Union Home Ministry has directed that all six stanzas of the National Song Vande Mataram must be sung when it is played alongside the National Anthem Jan Gana Man at official functions. The order, dated January 28, lays down specific protocols for rendition at government and ceremonial events across the country, including in Assam.

The directive is expected to apply to official state functions in Guwahati, such as flag hoisting ceremonies, gubernatorial addresses, and presidential visits.

The Union Home Ministry has ordered that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung when played with the National Anthem at official events. The directive applies to functions such as flag unfurling, the arrival of the President, and gubernatorial addresses, including events held in Assam and Guwahati.

What the Order States

According to the Home Ministry’s January 28 order:

• The full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram (approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds) must be sung at official functions.
• When both the National Song and National Anthem are played together, Vande Mataram must be sung or played first.
• The audience must stand at attention during the official rendition.

However, the order clarifies that audiences are not required to stand if the song is played as part of a newsreel or documentary screening, as this may disrupt proceedings.

Where It Applies in Assam

In Guwahati, the directive is expected to be implemented during:

• State-level Republic Day and Independence Day events
• Ceremonial programmes at Judges’ Field and other official venues
• Governor’s addresses
• Presidential or central government visits
• Government-hosted cultural functions

Educational institutions in the city may also adopt community singing of Vande Mataram at the beginning of the school day, as permitted under the order.

Mass Singing and Ceremonial Use

The ministry has stated that the official version should be accompanied by mass singing during:

• National Flag unfurling
• Cultural or ceremonial functions (excluding parades)
• Arrival of the President at public events

It also noted that while an exhaustive list of occasions cannot be specified, there is no objection to mass singing as long as it is conducted with due respect and decorum.

Relevance for Guwahati Schools and Institutions

With Guwahati serving as Assam’s administrative and educational hub, implementation of the directive may be particularly visible in schools, colleges, and government institutions.

Many institutions in the city already conduct community singing of patriotic songs during national observances, and the updated directive may standardise the full six-stanza rendition at such events.

What Happens Next?

State authorities and district administrations are expected to circulate implementation guidelines to departments, schools, and institutions.

Event organisers in Guwahati hosting official government functions may incorporate the revised format in upcoming ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions