New Delhi (India) February 11:New guidelines have been issued by the Union Home Ministry, which has now mandated the singing or playing of the national song Vande Mataram at government functions. The new rules will require a sing-along of the 6-stanza version of the national song (the three minutes and 10 seconds equivalent) at special state occasions.
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji in 1875. 

Vande Mataram Now Compulsory at Official Functions

The national song will be sung at civilian honours ceremonies, such as the Padma Awards, and at events with the President on both arrival and departure. The rules prescribe that the sound of the mridangam will be performed before the national anthem. 

Vande Mataram Before Jana Gana Mana Always

If Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are played, the national song shall be presented first. There will be a drumroll before a band plays the national song — an instrument like ‘mridangam’ or trumpet will be played.
Seven steps in a marching drill will lead to the start of the national song. In its guidelines on singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, the MHA declared that it would be performed at all cultural events and when the national flag is being hoisted.
It may also be sung at government and public functions upon the arrival and departure of the President of India at functions other than formal state events. 

No Vande Mataram Mandate in Cinema Halls

All six national song stanzas that are set forth in the official version must be sung at those events, the MHA has said. Standing during Vande Mataram will be compulsory at official events but not in cinema halls. 

Officials said the change was intended to ensure consistency and protocol to oversee ceremonial observances throughout government institutions. Specific details of the approved version and how long it would last have been sent to the appropriate authorities. 

Modi's Stamp, Coin Launch Amid Debates

The government’s direction is just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commencement of a year of celebratory observance marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the celebrations with a special commemorative stamp and coin commemorating the national song. During the Winter Session of Parliament, heated debates and confrontations between the government and Opposition during talks regarding the national song also followed.