MHA issues fresh guidelines on National Anthem, National Song script and pronunciation
Synopsis
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a fresh directive mandating strict adherence to the correct script, diction, and pronunciation of both 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' at official functions — the second such order in months, timed to the 150th year of the National Song. The order also settles the sequencing question in states where a State Song is performed: National Song first, National Anthem second.
Key Takeaways
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive dated 9 July mandating correct script, diction, and pronunciation for the National Song and National Anthem at official functions.
The National Song ('Vande Mataram') must be performed before the National Anthem ('Jana Gana Mana') whenever both are played together.
The official version of the National Song is the six-stanza rendition lasting approximately 3 minutes 10 seconds .
In states where a State Song is also performed, both national symbols must be rendered together, with the National Song first.
The order comes as the Centre observes the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram' .
Correct text and pronunciation guides are available on the MHA's official website .
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all Central government departments and Governors' offices to strictly follow the prescribed script, text, diction, and pronunciation when singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem at official functions. The directive, issued on 9 July, reiterates existing protocols and comes as the government observes the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram'.
Key Provisions of the Order
The MHA order specifies that the National Song shall be sung during civil investiture ceremonies, on the arrival and departure of the President at formal State functions, and immediately before and after the President addresses the nation via All India Radio (AIR) and television. It shall also be played on the arrival and departure of Governors and Lieutenant Governors (LGs) at formal State functions within their respective states or Union Territories, and when the National Flag is brought on parade.
'It is to be noted that while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem, their correct script/text and diction/pronunciations should be followed strictly,' the order stated. The Ministry added that the correct text and pronunciation guide for both have been made available on its official website for public reference.
Protocol When State Song Is Also Performed
The order addresses a specific scenario seen in several states where a State Song is performed alongside the national symbols. According to the directive, whenever a State Song is sung or played together with the National Song or National Anthem, both national symbols must be rendered together — with the National Song performed first, followed by the National Anthem.
All persons present at an assembly where the National Song is sung are required to stand at attention as a mark of respect.
Background: January Order and the Six-Stanza Version
The MHA also referenced an earlier order dated 28 January, which laid down the first detailed protocols for singing the National Song. Under those guidelines, the six-stanza official version of 'Vande Mataram' — with a duration of approximately three minutes and ten seconds — is to be used at official ceremonies such as the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the National Flag, and addresses by Governors.
Notably, this is the second directive within months, signalling that the Centre is actively reinforcing compliance after what officials indicate were inconsistencies in how the national symbols were rendered at official events.
Historical and Constitutional Status
The Constituent Assembly adopted 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem of India on 24 January 1950, subject to such alterations in the words as may be authorised by the government when required. 'Vande Mataram', which played a historic role in India's freedom struggle, was accorded equal honour and status alongside 'Jana Gana Mana' by the Constituent Assembly.
The Ministry clarified that while it is not possible to prepare an exhaustive list of occasions on which the National Song may be sung, there is no objection to its performance — including mass singing — provided it is rendered with due respect and proper decorum. With the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' being observed this year, the Centre is expected to issue further special instructions for specific occasions going forward.
Point of View
But the real compliance gap lies at the state and district level, where enforcement of central protocols has historically been uneven. Tying this directive to the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram' gives it symbolic weight — but symbolic weight alone does not guarantee behavioural change at the ground level of official ceremonies.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the MHA ordered regarding the National Anthem and National Song?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all Central government departments and Governors' offices to strictly follow the prescribed script, text, diction, and pronunciation when singing or playing the National Anthem and National Song at official functions. The order was issued on 9 July and references an earlier directive from 28 January.
What is the correct order when both the National Song and National Anthem are performed?
According to the MHA directive, the National Song ('Vande Mataram') must be performed first, followed by the National Anthem ('Jana Gana Mana'). This sequencing applies in all official settings, including states where a State Song is also performed.
Which version of 'Vande Mataram' is to be used at official ceremonies?
The six-stanza official version of 'Vande Mataram', with a duration of approximately three minutes and ten seconds, is to be used at official ceremonies such as the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the National Flag, and addresses by Governors.
Why has the MHA issued this directive now?
The directive coincides with the government's observance of the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram'. It also follows an earlier January order and appears aimed at addressing inconsistencies in how national symbols are rendered at official functions across the country.
Can 'Vande Mataram' be sung on occasions beyond official government functions?
Yes. The MHA clarified that it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of permitted occasions, but there is no objection to mass singing of the National Song on any occasion, provided it is done with due respect and proper decorum is maintained.
