Three-Tier Prayer Rule: Chhattisgarh Mandates Gayatri Mantra & Bhajans Thrice Daily Across All Schools

Published 16 June 2026 · politics

Three-Tier Prayer Rule: Chhattisgarh Mandates Gayatri Mantra & Bhajans Thrice Daily Across All Schools Written By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 20:14 IST The Congress

Three-Tier Prayer Rule: Chhattisgarh Mandates Gayatri Mantra & Bhajans Thrice Daily Across All Schools Written By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 20:14 IST The Congress has accused the BJP government of deliberately violating the secular fabric of the nation and forcing a majoritarian religious agenda onto vulnerable schoolchildren According to government officials, the comprehensive order applies to both government and private educational facilities. Representational image The Chhattisgarh government has issued a sweeping mandate making the daily recitation of the Gayatri Mantra, as per reports, alongside other traditional Hindu prayers, the national anthem, and the national song Vande Mataram, compulsory across all schools in the state. The directive, structured by the School Education Department and issued to all District Education Officers (DEOs), marks a radical shift in the daily routine of educational institutions. Coming into absolute effect with the commencement of the 2026-27 academic session, the new policy outlines a strictly regulated, three-tiered timetable for collective chanting and singing throughout the school day. According to government officials, the comprehensive order applies to both government and private educational facilities.

The new protocol divides the school day into three specific slots dedicated to cultural and value-based activities. Under the newly implemented guidelines, the morning assembly will now begin with the collective singing of the national anthem and the national song (Vande Mataram), directly followed by the chanting of the Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, and Guru Mantra. The morning routine will conclude with mandatory readings from the biographies of eminent personalities. Strict Inspections and Disciplinary Penalties Mandated The structural overhauling of the school day continues during lunch hours and final dismissals. Before receiving their mid-day meals, students are required to collectively recite a designated food prayer, the Bhojan Mantra. The conclusion of the school day is similarly anchored by ritualistic elements, marked by the joint recitation of the Chhattisgarh state song, the Gayatri Mantra, and the Shanti Mantra. The School Education Department has justified the decision by stating that the structured routine is fundamentally designed to foster patriotism, discipline, and moral values among young learners. Officials added that the mandatory activities aim to drive students’ intellectual development while firmly connecting the next generation with traditional Indian culture and national ideals.