Vande Mataram, a six-verse song, is mandatory after the national anthem at government functions; guidelines issued

The central government issued new guidelines regarding "Vande Mataram" on Wednesday morning. Under the new directive, playing "Vande Mataram" will now be mandatory at government events, schools, and other important events. Everyone will be required to stand and pay respect, just as during the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana." However, this rule will not apply during movies in cinema halls.

Most importantly, the entire six verses of the song will be played, four of which were removed by the Congress party in 1937. This decision is an attempt to restore this song of the freedom struggle to its original power.

Under these new rules issued by the Union Home Ministry, "Vande Mataram" will be played immediately after the national anthem, i.e., first followed by "Jana Gana Mana." This will apply to all government events and schools.

"Vande Mataram" will be mandatory at government events.

"Vande Mataram" will now also be played at civilian honor ceremonies such as the Padma Awards. This song will be mandatory for the President to play during his arrival and departure from any event. This rule will also apply to the arrival and departure of the President or Governors, before and after their speeches. It will also be followed during the hoisting of the tricolor. The Home Ministry has clarified that when this song is played or sung, all those present will stand in attention.

What are the six stanzas of the entire Vande Mataram?

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram" in 1875, which was published in his novel "Anandamath" in 1882. It has a total of six stanzas. The initial stanzas depict India as a mother. The subsequent stanzas mention Hindu goddesses such as Durga, Kamala (Lakshmi), and Saraswati. In 1937, the Congress adopted only the first two stanzas at the Faizpur session because some Muslim members objected to the mention of goddesses. Now the government has decided that only the full six verses will be played, which will be approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds long.