New Centre Guidelines Rules: 6 Stanzas Of Vande Mataram To Play Before National Anthem

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) of India has mandated that ‘Vande Mataram’ should be played before the national anthem is sung. This new ruling suggests that the six-stanza-long, 3 minutes and 10 seconds version of ‘Vande Mataram’ be played or sung at a raft of official occasions. Amongst these occasions are events such as the unfurling of the Tricolour, the arrival of the President at events, before and after her speeches and addresses to the nation, and before and after the arrival and speeches of governors. The version of our national song that has to be played on these occasions includes the last four that were dropped by Jawaharlal Nehru earlier. Let’s dive in to see what the six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ are that will be played before the national anthem of India here!

What Are The New Centre Guidelines Rules On Vande Mataram To Play Before National Anthem

A 10-page order has been issued by the ministry on January 28, 2026, about new guidelines around our national song. Check out all the new rules that you have to abide by below:

1. If the national song and the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', are sung or played together, 'Vande Mataram' will be played first, and the audience shall stand in attention during the singing or playing.

2. 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.

The order further said, “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.”

ALSO READ- Who Is Revati Sule? Supriya Sule's Daughter Age, Net Worth, Education and More

What Are The 6 Stanzas Of Vande Mataram To Play Before The National Anthem?

Check out the full six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ that will now be played before India’s national anthem here!

Vande maataram (x8)

Vande maataram

Maa, Maa

Sujalam suphalam malayaja sheetalam

Shasyashyamalam maataram, vande

Sujalam suphalam malayaja sheetalam

Shasyashyaamalam maataram, vande maataram

(x8)

Maa

Shubhra jyotsna pulakitayaaminim

Phulla kusumita drumadalashobhinim

Aaa

(Shubhra jyotsna pulakitayaaminim

Phulla kusumita drumadalashobhinim)

Suhaasinim sumadhurabhaashhinim

Sukhadaam varadaam maataram

(x8)

Sapta koti kantha kalakalaninaada karale

Nisapta koti bhujaidhruta karakarvale

Sapta koti kantha kalakalaninaada karale

Nisapta koti bhujaidhruta karakarvale

Abalakeno maa eto bale

Bahubaladhaarinim namaami tarinim

Ripudalavarinim maataram, vande maataram !!

(x8)

Tvam hi durga dashapraharanadhaarini

Kamala kamaladala vihaarini

Vaani vidyaadaayini, namaami tvam

Namaami kamalam amalam atulam

Sujalam suphalam maataram

Shyamalam saralam susmitam bhooshhitam

Dharinim bharanim maataram, vande maataram

(x8)

When And Where Will 'Vande Mataram' Be Played At? 

According to the orders issued by the ministry, ‘Vande Mataram’  shall be played or sung at the following occasions:

• Government and state functions

• Civilian award ceremonies, including the Padma awards

• Events attended by the President and Governors

• School assemblies and educational programmes

ALSO READ- Who Was Captain Shambhavi Pathak? The Pilot Who Died in the Baramati Plane Crash, While Flying Ajit Pawar's Private Plane

History Of Vande Mataram

The national song of India, ‘Vande Mataram’, completed 150 years on November 7, 2025. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s. This song became the cry of Indians during the long freedom struggle against British rule. The song is an ode to our rich nation, and it personifies India as a mother goddess. 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal ‘Bangadarshan’ on 7 November 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee added the hymn in his novel 'Anandamath', which was published in 1882.

Significance Of Vande Mataram

The national song is something Indians hold very dearly as it is a symbol of patriotism that unites all of us together. It reaffirms the idea of unity in diversity and is written in a mixed language form, which can be easily sung across communities. 

Image Credit: Freepik

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.