The National Song of India is played or sung on various occasions. The following instructions are issued for general information and guidance on the official version of the National Song, the occasions on which the Song is to be played or sung, and about the need for paying respect to the National Song by observance of proper decorum on such occasions.

I The National Song — Official Version

The song ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, is known as the ‘National Song’. The lyrics of the National Song are as follows:

Playing time: approximately 3 minutes 10 seconds

II Playing of the National Song

The official version of the National Song shall be played on the following occasions:

1. Civil Investitures;
2. On arrival of the President at formal State functions and other functions organized by the Government, and on his departure from such functions;
3. Immediately before and after the President addresses the Nation over All India Radio and Television;
4. On arrival of the Governor / Lieutenant Governor at formal State functions within his State / Union Territory, and on his departure from such functions;
5. When the National Flag is brought on parade.

The National Song shall be played on any other occasion for which special orders are issued by the Government of India.

When the National Song is played by a band, it will be preceded by a roll of drums to help the audience know that the National Song is about to be played (unless there is some other specific indication, such as fanfares). In terms of marching drill, the roll lasts 7 paces in slow march — starting slowly, rising to as loud a volume as possible, then gradually decreasing to original softness while remaining audible until the seventh beat. One beat rest is then observed before commencing the National Song.

III Mass Singing of the National Song

The official version shall be played accompanied by mass singing on the following occasions:

• On the unfurling of the National Flag, on cultural occasions or ceremonial functions other than parades. Printed lyrics of the official version may be circulated amongst participants where required;
• On arrival of the President at any Government or Public function (excluding formal State functions), and immediately before his departure from such functions.

On all occasions when the National Song is sung, the official version shall be recited accompanied by mass singing.

The National Song may be sung on occasions which, although not strictly ceremonial, are nevertheless significant because of the presence of Ministers etc. Such singing (with or without instruments), accompanied by mass singing, is desirable.

There is no objection to the singing of the National Song accompanied by mass singing so long as it is done with due respect as a salutation to the motherland and proper decorum is maintained.

In all schools, the day’s work may begin with community singing of the National Song. School authorities should make adequate provision to popularise the singing of the National Song, the National Anthem, and respect for the National Flag among students.

IV General

Whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention. However, when the National Song is played as part of a newsreel or documentary film, the audience is not expected to stand, as standing would interrupt the exhibition of the film and create disorder rather than add to the dignity of the National Song.

When the National Song and the National Anthem are both sung or played, the National Song will be sung or played first.