PolitySource: The Hindu
New Protocol for Playing National Song and Anthem in India
Thursday, 12 February 2026
Read Original ArticleKey Points
New Protocol for the National Song and Anthem in India: The National Song "Vande Mataram" must be played before the National Anthem "Jana Gana Mana" at events. The audience is required to stand during the National Song, except in specific contexts. The protocol applies to official functions, broadcasts, and cultural events. Schools are encouraged to promote singing these national symbols.
Detailed Coverage
- Sequence of Play: "Vande Mataram" before "Jana Gana Mana" at events.
- Mandatory Respect: Audience must stand for the National Song.
- Occasions for Playing: Includes presidential events, broadcasts, flag ceremonies, and cultural functions.
- Musical Protocol: National Song to be preceded by drums when played by a band.
- School Instructions: Community singing encouraged to foster respect.
- Origin of Vande Mataram: Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.
- National Status: Honored as National Song alongside National Anthem.
- Freedom Movement Role: Adopted by Congress in 1896 for mobilization.
- Influence Abroad: Used as a rallying cry by Indian revolutionaries.
- Origin of Jana Gana Mana: Composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911.
- First Rendition: Sung at the Indian National Congress in 1911.
- Official Adoption: Adopted as National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
- Translation: Translated into English by Tagore.
- Supreme Court Ruling: No change to the word "Sindh" in the anthem.
- Notable Fact: Tagore wrote anthems for India and Bangladesh.
Polity