New Delhi: The Union government has issued fresh guidelines to all states, Union Territories and Central ministries detailing the occasions on which the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and the National Song, Vande Mataram, should be sung or played.

In an order dated July 9, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the directives consolidate existing protocols and provide a comprehensive list of official occasions for rendering the National Anthem and the National Song.

According to the guidelines, Vande Mataram should be sung at civic receptions, on the arrival and departure of the President at formal state functions and other government-organised events, and immediately before and after the President's address to the nation broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and television.

The National Song should also be played during the arrival and departure of Governors and Lieutenant Governors at formal state functions in their respective states and Union Territories, as well as during ceremonies involving the presentation of the National Flag at parades.

The ministry emphasised that the correct lyrics and pronunciation of both the National Anthem and the National Song must be strictly followed whenever they are sung or played. It noted that the authorised text and pronunciation guide have been made available on the ministry's website.

The guidelines further state that Vande Mataram may also be sung or played on any other occasion for which the Government of India issues special orders.

The MHA also clarified the protocol for events where both the National Song and a State Song are performed. In such cases, the National Song should be rendered first, followed by the National Anthem, with the State Song performed alongside them where applicable.

The ministry noted that while it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of every occasion on which the National Anthem may be sung, there is no objection to collective singing of the anthem, provided it is done with due respect and decorum.

The latest directive comes as the Centre marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, with commemorative events being held across the country.