MHA Issues Comprehensive Guidelines on Singing and Playing the National Anthem and National Song

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a comprehensive communication consolidating the official orders relating to the singing and playing of India’s National Anthem and National Song. The instructions, circulated to all State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, and Central Ministries and Departments, aim to ensure uniform observance of protocol, proper decorum, and correct rendition across the country.

The circular reiterates that the enclosed orders provide an exhaustive list of occasions when the National Anthem and National Song must or may be played or sung. It also emphasizes the correct sequence to be followed whenever both are performed together.

National Song Must Be Performed Before the National Anthem

One of the key clarifications in the latest communication is that whenever the National Song (Vande Mataram) and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) are sung or played together, the National Song must always precede the National Anthem.

The same sequence is to be followed even in States where a State Song is performed alongside the National Anthem or National Song. In such cases, the National Song should be rendered first, followed by the National Anthem.

Strict Adherence to Official Text and Pronunciation

The Ministry has directed all authorities and institutions to ensure that:

• Only the officially approved text of the National Anthem and National Song is used.
• Correct diction and pronunciation are strictly followed during performances.
• Appropriate instructions are issued to all institutions under their jurisdiction to ensure compliance.

The official scripts and pronunciation guides are available through the Ministry of Home Affairs for reference.

Official Versions and Duration

The consolidated orders also restate the officially recognized versions:

National Anthem

• The full version of Jana Gana Mana has an approximate duration of 52 seconds.
• A short version, consisting of the opening and closing lines, has an approximate duration of 20 seconds and may be used on specified ceremonial occasions.

National Song

• The official version of Vande Mataram has an approximate playing time of 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

Occasions for Playing the National Anthem

The orders specify that the full version of the National Anthem shall be played on important ceremonial occasions including:

• Civil and military investitures.
• Ceremonial National Salute.
• Arrival and departure of the President at formal State functions.
• Before and after the President’s address to the nation.
• Arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions.
• During parades when the National Flag is brought on parade.
• Other occasions specifically notified by the Government of India.

The short version may be played in limited situations such as ceremonial toasts in military messes.

Occasions for Playing the National Song

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

• Civil investitures.
• Arrival and departure of the President at specified Government functions.
• Before and after the President’s address to the nation.
• Arrival and departure of Governors and Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions.
• When the National Flag is brought on parade.
• Any other occasion specifically notified by the Government.

Mass Singing and School Functions

The orders encourage mass singing of both the National Anthem and the National Song on appropriate ceremonial and cultural occasions.

Schools have been advised that the day’s activities may begin with community singing of the National Anthem or the National Song. Educational institutions are also encouraged to popularise these national symbols and promote respect for the National Flag among students.

Standing During Performance

The guidelines reiterate that whenever the National Anthem or National Song is sung or played, members of the audience should stand at attention as a mark of respect.

However, an exception has been retained for situations where the Anthem or Song forms part of a newsreel or documentary film. In such cases, audiences are not expected to stand, as doing so could interrupt the screening and diminish the intended presentation.

Directions to Governments and Institutions

The Ministry has requested all State Governments, Union Territories, Ministries and Departments to circulate these instructions among all institutions and organisations under their administrative control to ensure strict compliance.

The communication is intended to promote uniform observance of established protocol while ensuring that the National Anthem and National Song are rendered with dignity, proper decorum and in accordance with the officially prescribed versions.