All India Radio to now broadcast the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram
New Delhi: The government announced on Wednesday that All India Radio will begin broadcasting a new, full six-stanza version of the national song, Vande Mataram, from Thursday. This is a major change from the long-standing two-stanza version.
Officials said that in addition to the main version, the full six-stanza composition is also being recorded in several regional formats to showcase India’s diverse musical traditions.
Since independence, it has been customary for All India Radio stations to begin their morning broadcasts with the famous signature tune, followed by a two-stanza version of Vande Mataram, usually lasting about 65 seconds.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement, “In accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ January 28, 2026 guidelines, which specify a six-stanza national song, all All India Radio stations will begin broadcasting a new version of the song from March 26, 2026. The duration of the new version is 3 minutes and 10 seconds.” Officials stated that the first version was sung by renowned Hindustani classical singer Pandit Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Desh.
Officials further stated that additional versions of the national song are being created using regionally specific instruments and musical styles, and these versions will be broadcast by All India Radio stations in different states to ensure greater cultural representation.
Earlier, on February 11, the Center issued new comprehensive guidelines, setting out the official protocol for the singing of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, including how and when it should be sung at government events and the audience’s behavior, especially during the anthem.
The new directives issued by the Union Home Ministry aim to formalize the status and ceremonial role of the national anthem at public and official events across the country, and to place greater emphasis on its observance during government functions and institutional gatherings.
According to the guidelines, the full official version of Vande Mataram, consisting of six verses and approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds long, is to be sung or played at major official events.
These include the hoisting of the tricolor, the arrival and departure ceremonies of the President and Governors at official functions, and events before and after their scheduled speeches at such functions.
A key point of the directive was that whenever Vande Mataram and the national anthem are part of a program, the national anthem should be sung before the national anthem.
