Tamil Nadu to Restore Traditional Anthem Sequence at Official Events

Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Sunday (May 10, 2026) confirmed the state government will resume the longstanding practice of playing 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' at the beginning and the National Anthem at the end of official functions. This follows a break in protocol during the swearing-in of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's Cabinet, where the order was altered.

The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, featured 'Vande Mataram' first, followed by the National Anthem, and then 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu'. The sequence drew criticism from ruling TVK alliance partners CPI, CPI-M and VCK. Arjuna stated the deviation occurred due to a Union Government circular binding the Governor's office, making the altered order unavoidable on that occasion.

Arjuna emphasized that 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' embodies over a century of Tamil pride and was officially adopted as the State song to promote Tamil identity globally. He affirmed the TVK-led government has no intention to depart from the customary practice, under which the State song precedes and the National Anthem concludes official events.

The Minister said the state government has raised the issue with the Governor's office and will ensure the traditional sequence is followed in all future official functions. He also called on the Union Government to issue guidelines for all states to play their respective state songs at the start of official events.

The government will issue formal instructions to all departments to implement the restored protocol immediately. Public events across Tamil Nadu are expected to reflect the revised directive starting this week.