Akashvani will start airing a new complete six-stanza rendition of the national song Vande Mataram from Thursday, replacing the traditional two-stanza version. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced this change, in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs guideline issued on January 28, 2026. The extended version will run for 3 minutes and 10 seconds, featuring diverse regional musical styles.
The initial rendition, sung by Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Des, will be the first to be broadcast. Besides, various regional versions of Vande Mataram are being produced using local instruments and musical traditions to represent India’s cultural diversity. These versions will be aired by Akashvani stations across different states.
Recent guidelines issued by the Centre outline the official protocol for the performance of Vande Mataram at government functions and events. The complete six-stanza version, lasting around 3 minutes and 10 seconds, is designated for major state occasions. The directive emphasizes the significance of Vande Mataram’s observance during state functions, including ceremonies involving the President and Governors.
The new protocol specifies that Vande Mataram should be played before the national anthem at events where both are included in the program. These guidelines aim to formalize the ceremonial role of Vande Mataram in public and official gatherings, enhancing its prominence in national events.
