Vande Mataram Mandatory: New Rules for National Song, Where to Stand & Where Not

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new 10-page guidelines making 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in government programs.
• All six stanzas of Vande Mataram, lasting 3 minutes 10 seconds, must be sung or played, followed by the National Anthem if both are present.
• Standing at attention is mandatory during Vande Mataram, similar to the National Anthem.
• Mandatory at civilian honor ceremonies, state functions, flag hoistings, and government cultural programs; encouraged in schools.
• Not mandatory in cinema halls, private, religious, social, or informal events; viewers are not required to stand during films.