The Central government has issued new directives to all states, Union Territories, and Central ministries regarding the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' and the national song 'Vande Mataram.' The ministry said the rules already specify which events require the playing or singing of both.

The MHA stated that the new guidelines provide a complete list of occasions on which the national song and national anthem of India should be played or sung. The July 9 order states that the national song will be sung at civic receptions, upon the President's arrival and departure from formal state functions and other government-organised events, as well as immediately before and after the President's address to the nation on All India Radio (AIR) and television.

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When And On What Occasions Can It Be Sung?

It will also be played upon the arrival and departure of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor (GL) at formal state functions in their respective states and union territories, and when the national flag is presented at parades.

The directive stated, "It should be noted that the correct words and pronunciation of the National Song and the National Anthem must be strictly adhered to while singing or playing them." The Ministry has made the correct words and pronunciation guide available on its website.

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State Song Also Be Played

It asserted that the National Song will also be played on any other occasion for which special orders are issued by the Government of India. The order stated, "In some states, the State Song is also sung and played along with the National Anthem/National Song.

In Some Circumstances National Song Should Be Played First

It is stated that whenever the State Song is sung or played along with the National Song/National Anthem, both the National Song and the National Anthem should be sung or played together; and the National Song shall be sung or played first, followed by the National Anthem."

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In a directive dated January 28th, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the first set of protocols for singing the national anthem. It directed that six verses of the national anthem be sung at official events such as the President's arrival, the hoisting of the tricolour, and the speeches of governors, with a duration of three minutes and ten seconds.

The order stated, "When the national anthem and the national anthem are sung or played, the national anthem shall be sung or played first." At a gathering where the national anthem is sung, everyone shall stand at attention.

150th Anniversary Of 'Vande Mataram'

The Central government is celebrating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram.' It stated, "It is not possible to provide a complete list of occasions on which the official version of the national anthem may be permitted to be sung. However, there is no objection to singing the national anthem collectively, provided it is sung with due respect and decorum in honour of the motherland."

(With Jagran.com Inputs)