Bengaluru, 11 September 2026: Karnataka Government has ordered that the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung at state government programmes and official ceremonies, except at events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor.
Order was issued in accordance with a decision of the State Cabinet. According to Government Order No. ಸಿಆಸುಇ/03/HCR/2026 (ಭಾಗ-2), dated September 8, 2026, the first two stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram shall be sung at government programmes and ceremonies held in the State. Order makes an exception for programmes attended by the President of India, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Governor or other dignitaries as specified in the order.
Guidelines for singing and playing the national song
Order refers to guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the official version of Vande Mataram and its singing or playing at government and public events. It notes that the guidelines distinguish between occasions involving the playing of the national song and those involving mass singing.
Karnataka Government said the directive aims to ensure uniformity, dignity and appropriate protocol while observing the national song at various government programmes and ceremonies across the State. Order was issued in the name of the Governor of Karnataka by Sandeep B.K., Under Secretary to Government, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
Keywords: Vande Mataram Karnataka government order, Karnataka government programmes, first two stanzas Vande Mataram, Karnataka Cabinet decision, national song protocol, Bengaluru government order, Citizen News Puttur