Singing or Playing of the National Song and the National Anthem of India: Ministry of Home Affairs Order Dated 9.7.2026

भारत के राष्ट्रीय गीत और राष्ट्रगान का गायन या वादन: गृह मंत्रालय का आदेश, दिनांक 09.07.2026

Singing or Playing of the National Song and the National Anthem of India 2026: Ministry of Home Affairs Order Dated 9.7.2026: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has issued a comprehensive order dated 09 July 2026 consolidating all instructions relating to the singing and playing of the National Song (Vande Mataram) and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana). The order has been circulated to all State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, and Ministries/Departments of the Government of India to ensure uniform implementation across the country.

The Ministry has enclosed two detailed annexures containing the official guidelines governing the occasions on which the National Song and the National Anthem should be sung or played, the official versions of both compositions, proper protocol, and the expected decorum during such occasions.

Overview of the Ministry of Home Affairs Order

Particulars	Details
Department	Ministry of Home Affairs (Public Section)
Government	Government of India
Order Number	No. 14/2/2025-Public
Date	09 July 2026
Subject	Orders relating to Singing or Playing of the National Song and National Anthem of India
Applicable To	All Ministries, State Governments, UT Administrations, Educational Institutions and Public Authorities

Purpose of the Order

The Government observed that several instructions regarding the National Song and National Anthem had been issued over the years. To facilitate easy reference and ensure uniform compliance, these instructions have now been consolidated into a single document.

The order clearly identifies:

Occasions when the National Song shall be played or sung.
Occasions when the National Anthem shall be played or sung.
Situations where both may be played together.
Correct order of singing or playing.
Official text and pronunciation.
Expected public decorum during performances.

National Song and National Anthem: Correct Sequence

One of the most important clarifications issued by the Ministry is regarding the sequence when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together.

Whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played together, the National Song (Vande Mataram) shall always be sung or played first, followed by the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana).

Correct Script and Pronunciation

The Ministry has emphasized that while singing or playing the National Song and National Anthem:

The official approved text must be used.
The correct pronunciation should be followed.
No unauthorized alteration should be made.
The official versions are available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website.

National Song (Vande Mataram)

The National Song of India is Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The Ministry has published the complete official version in Annexure-I along with detailed instructions regarding its performance.

Playing Time

The official version of the National Song takes approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

Occasions for Playing the National Song

The National Song shall be played on important occasions including:

Civil Investitures.
Arrival and departure of the President during specified Government functions.
Before and after Presidential addresses broadcast on All India Radio and Television.
Arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions.
When the National Flag is brought on parade.
Other occasions notified by the Government of India.

Mass Singing of the National Song

The Ministry encourages mass singing of the National Song during important public occasions, particularly:

National Flag unfurling ceremonies.
Cultural programmes.
Government functions.
Educational institutions.
Community celebrations.

The order also states that schools may begin the day’s work with community singing of the National Song and should promote respect towards the National Flag among students.

National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana)

The National Anthem of India is the first stanza of Rabindranath Tagore’s composition Jana Gana Mana.

Official Versions

Full Version – Approximately 52 seconds.
Short Version – Approximately 20 seconds.

Occasions for Playing the National Anthem

The National Anthem shall normally be played during:

Civil and Military Investitures.
National Salute ceremonies.
Republic Day and Independence Day ceremonies.
Arrival and departure of the President.
Arrival and departure of Governors.
Presidential broadcasts.
Parades.
Military ceremonial occasions.
Naval colour ceremonies.

Mass Singing of the National Anthem

The Ministry recommends mass singing of the National Anthem during:

National Flag unfurling ceremonies.
Government functions.
Cultural events.
Educational institutions.
Public celebrations.

Schools are encouraged to popularise the National Anthem and inculcate patriotism among students.

Playing of Foreign National Anthems

The order also contains detailed protocol relating to foreign National Anthems during:

Visits of Heads of State.
Diplomatic receptions.
Embassy functions.
International cultural programmes.
State ceremonies involving foreign dignitaries.

Appropriate sequence and ceremonial procedures have been prescribed for such occasions.

General Guidelines for the Public

Everyone should stand at attention whenever the National Song or National Anthem is sung or played.
Respect and dignity must always be maintained.
Correct lyrics and pronunciation should be followed.
Unauthorized alterations should not be made.
Indiscriminate or casual use should be avoided.
Schools and institutions should educate students regarding proper protocol.

Important Highlights

✔ Ministry of Home Affairs issued consolidated guidelines on 09 July 2026.
✔ Covers both the National Song and National Anthem.
✔ Specifies occasions where they must or may be sung or played.
✔ National Song should always precede the National Anthem when both are performed.
✔ Official text and pronunciation must be followed.
✔ Schools are encouraged to popularise patriotic singing.
✔ Detailed protocol provided for Government, educational and ceremonial occasions.

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