Full Version To Be Played; Stand To Attention & Maintain Proper Decorum: MHA Issues Guidelines On National Song Vande Mataram

As per the order, the full official version of the National Song is to be played, and when the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played, the National Song has to be sung or played first.

“The National Song of India is played or sung on various occasions. The following instructions are being issued for general information and guidance on the official version of the National Song, the occasions on which the Song is to be played or sung, and about the need for paying respect to the National Song by observance of proper decorum on such occasions”, the order read.

“Whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention. However, when in the course of a newsreel or documentary the National Song is played as a part of the film, it is not expected of the audience to stand as standing is bound to interrupt the exhibition of the film and would create disorder and confusion rather than add to the dignity of the National Song”, it mentioned.

The song Vande Mataram, written by Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, is known as the National Song, and the playing time of the National Song is approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

The official version of the National Song is to be played on the following occasions:

• Civil Investitures;
• On arrival of the President at formal State functions and other functions organized by the Government and on his departure from such functions;
• Immediately before and after the President addresses the Nation over All India Radio and Television;
• On arrival of the Governor/Lieutenant Governor at formal State functions within his State/Union Territory and on his departure from such functions;
• When the National Flag is brought on parade.

As per the Order, on all occasions when the National Song is sung, the official version is to be recited accompanied by mass singing.

“It is not possible to give an exhaustive list of occasions on which the singing (as distinct from playing) of official version of the National Song can be permitted. But there is no objection to the singing of the National Song accompanied by mass singing so long as it is done with due respect as a salutation to the motherland and proper decorum is maintained”, the order read.

Click here to read/download Order Relating to the National Song of India