New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has released updated guidelines on the order in which songs should be performed at government functions. The circular seeks to remove confusion among states over whether the state anthem, the national song or the national anthem should come first.
India’s national anthem is “Jana Gana Mana”, while “Vande Mataram” is recognised as the national song. A few months ago, the Home Ministry had instructed all states and Union Territories to ensure that both are sung or played at government events, with an emphasis that all stanzas of “Vande Mataram” be rendered in full.
In the latest communication, the ministry said that at government functions, the national song should be sung or played first, followed by the national anthem. For events organised by state governments, the state anthem should be performed first, after which “Vande Mataram” and then “Jana Gana Mana” should follow.
The circular also stresses accuracy in the official lyrics, pronunciation and musical rendition of both the national anthem and the national song. To help ensure compliance, the Home Ministry has uploaded the correct lyrics and pronunciation guidance on its website, and directed all states, Union Territories and central ministries to follow the revised sequence.
The issue has been politically sensitive in Tamil Nadu, where parties have insisted that “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” be sung first at state functions. The report also notes that Chief Minister Vijay, during his first visit to Delhi after taking office in late May, raised the same demand while meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
