The iconic change of guard ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan has got a new format and the common public will be able to witness the ceremony in large numbers from next weekend, an official statement from the president’s office said.
According to authorities at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the new format features elaborate visual and musical performance spread over a large area at the forecourt of the presidential palace. President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural ceremony as per the new format at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s forecourt on Sunday.
The inaugural show of Change of Guard Ceremony in new format was held today at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural show of the ceremony which will take place every Saturday.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 16, 2025
Change of Guard Ceremony will be open to larger number… pic.twitter.com/xXVQQCTIeK
According to authorities, the change of guard is a long-standing military tradition conducted weekly to allow a fresh group of the president's bodyguards to take charge. The President's Bodyguard (PBG), raised in 1773, is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army. The regiment is responsible for carrying out ceremonial duties for the president.
#WATCH | The inaugural show of the Change of Guard Ceremony held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural show of the ceremony which will take place every Saturday. Change of Guard Ceremony will be open to larger number of visitors… pic.twitter.com/q48DFOsnPv
Authorities said, the new format includes military drills by troops and horses of the President's Bodyguard, along with personnel from the Ceremonial Guard Battalion and the Ceremonial Military Brass Band. An equestrian display by the Presidents' Bodyguard has been added to the ceremony as per the new format.
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“An equestrian display by the Presidents' Bodyguard in their ceremonial regalia has been added. The thirty-minute ceremony commences with the PBG troops, astride their caparisoned, powerful and well-groomed steeds advancing from behind the Jaipur Column to the tunes played by the Army Brass Band,” it said.
“Thereafter the parade commander marches in, on whose ‘word of command’ the guard of the first battalion the fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), marches in. After inspection, the new guard takes position along the old guard and both the guards exchange the national salute. Thereafter the new guard takes over the duties of guards and sentries. The ceremony ends with an equestrian display by the PBG and playing of the national anthem,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
The public can reserve tickets to view the ceremony by visiting the link https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in. Visitors would have to pay a registration fee of Rs 50.
