Akashvani to broadcast full six-stanza 'Vande Mataram' from 26 March
The I&B Ministry said on 25 March 2026 that all Akashvani stations will broadcast the full six-stanza version of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' (3 minutes 10 seconds) from 26 March 2026, replacing the two-stanza version.
Summary
Since Independence, Akashvani stations have opened their morning broadcast with the signature tune followed by the two-stanza version of the National Song 'Vande Mataram', lasting 65 seconds. In view of a Ministry of Home Affairs guideline dated 28 January 2026 on the National Song containing six stanzas, all Akashvani stations will broadcast the new version, of 3 minutes 10 seconds, from 26 March 2026, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said on 25 March. The first version is sung by Hindustani classical vocalist Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Des; regional versions are also being recorded.
Key facts
- Change
- Full six-stanza Vande Mataram on all Akashvani stations
- From
- 26 March 2026
- Duration
- 3 min 10 sec (earlier two-stanza version: 65 sec)
- Basis
- MHA guideline of 28 January 2026
- Singer
- Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze, in Raag Des
- Regional
- Regional versions being recorded
Practice MCQs 2 questions
From 26 March 2026, Akashvani stations broadcast the full version of 'Vande Mataram' containing how many stanzas?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Six
The full six-stanza version (3 min 10 sec) replaced the two-stanza version (65 sec), following an MHA guideline of 28 January 2026.
The first version of the full 'Vande Mataram' broadcast by Akashvani from March 2026 is sung in which raga?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Raag Des
It is sung by Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Des.