New Delhi: The central government has issued new guidelines regarding the singing of Vande Mataram. According to the directives, people must stand while singing Vande Mataram, it should be sung before the national anthem, and it should be included in school assemblies, among several other guidelines. It has also been suggested that Vande Mataram be sung during flag-hoisting ceremonies and events attended by the President, Governors, and other dignitaries.
However, there is no need to stand while singing it in news reels, documentaries, or cinema theatres. This move aims to increase the prominence of Vande Mataram alongside the national anthem. The guidelines explicitly state that from now on, Vande Mataram must be sung in school assemblies. Previously, there were no formal standards for singing Vande Mataram.
Going forward, it should be sung at civil ceremonies, official events organised by the government, and during occasions such as the President’s arrival and departure, addresses to the nation on All India Radio or television, Governors’ or Lieutenant Governors’ participation in official state/UT events, during national flag parades, and whenever the Government of India issues special orders.
The new directive also suggests including all six stanzas written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the national song, along with the four stanzas removed by the Congress in 1937.
It is recommended that lines of Vande Mataram be printed and distributed at public events. The song may also be sung at events attended by ministers, and it can be performed with or without musical accompaniment.
The issue of Vande Mataram had sparked intense debate during the Winter Session of Parliament in December 2025.