The Karnataka Government has directed that the national song “Vande Mataram” be played or sung at all state government programmes or official ceremonies, according to a government order dated September 8, 2026.
The directive, issued in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, follows guidelines communicated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It lays down specific instructions on the rendition of the National Song during official state functions.
First Two Stanzas to Be Sung
According to the order, the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram will be sung at state government programmes in accordance with the directive.
The order also makes an exception for programmes attended by the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister or Governor. The special protocol for such high-level constitutional events will be followed.
The move effectively sets a standard protocol for the playing or singing of Vande Mataram in Karnataka government functions.
Government Order in Governor's Name
The directive has been issued in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, so that it is an official government protocol rather than a casual administrative instruction.
It is also related to the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which indicates that the State Government has taken the National Song at government functions into consideration in a wider protocol.
The order will be applicable to state government departments and official programmes covered by it.
Vande Mataram and the National Significance
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was an important part of India's freedom struggle. The song was accorded the status of National Song later.
Vande Mataram is going to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Union Government’s national programme and is being celebrated in India in the first place for its historical significance and contribution to the independence movement. “The song,” says the Ministry of Culture, “was a symbol of unity from the beginning of the freedom struggle."
The government of India has also reiterated the historical status of Vande Mataram. A recent PIB backgrounder notes that on January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly President Dr Rajendra Prasad said Vande Mataram should be treated equally with Jana Gana Mana and awarded equal status.
Karnataka Govt orders that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung at state government programmes and official functions.
— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) September 10, 2026
It excludes events attended by the President, Vice-President, PM or Governor. pic.twitter.com/U9VLz3lIZH
Karnataka’s New Protocol
The latest Karnataka government order comes at a time when there is a broader national movement to use and represent Vande Mataram at the official functions.
The issue has attracted debate in many states, particularly over which stanzas should be sung. Karnataka's directive says that for government programmes covered by the order only the first two stanzas should be sung except where the separate procedure for programmes attended by senior constitutional authorities is there.
What the Order Means
The September 8 directive provides government departments with a uniform framework for handling the National Song at official programmes.
For state government visitors, the most significant change will be the formal requirement to include Vande Mataram in the prescribed way. The move also places Karnataka in a national effort to have a uniform framework for the National Song in place at a national level.
The implementation of the directive as the government goes through implementing it across departments and official ceremonies will be well-publicized.
