Bhubaneswar, March 25: It has been a tradition for Akashvani stations to open their morning broadcast with its iconic signature tune followed by the two-stanza version of the National Song “Vande Mataram” (duration 65 seconds), since Independence.
In view of the Ministry of Home Affairs guideline dated January 28, 2026 on the National Song containing six stanzas, all stations of Akashvani will start broadcasting the new version of the Song with effect from 26th March, 2026. The new version has a duration of 3 minutes 10 seconds.
The initial version to be broadcast is sung by renowned Hindi Classical Vocalist Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Des.
Several other versions of the National Song are also being recorded to accommodate regional variety of musical instruments. These versions will be adopted by Akashvani stations located in respective states.
Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a detailed notification directing that that India's National Song, Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, shall be sung first when played with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The notification outlined comprehensive guidelines for the observance of the National Song, in honour of the 150th year of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The official composition is approximately three minutes and ten seconds long.
The directive seeks to ensure uniformity and clarity in ceremonial practices across the country.
