The Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will begin at 8 am from November 7. The weekly event will take place every Saturday between 8 AM and 9 AM, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.
The revised timings mark the annual shift to the winter schedule. During summer, the ceremony takes place from 7.30 AM to 8.30 AM.
Held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the 30-minute ceremony attracts tourists, students and visitors. It showcases military discipline, precision and tradition through marching contingents, military bands and the formal transfer of duties between guard units.
The ceremony does not take place on Saturdays that fall on a gazetted holiday or when Rashtrapati Bhavan announces a cancellation.
The Ceremonial Army Guard Battalion provides ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India. During the event, the outgoing and incoming guards exchange the national salute before the new guard takes charge.
The ceremony begins with the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) riding decorated horses from behind the Jaipur Column. The Army Brass Band accompanies the procession. The Parade Commander then leads the new guard into the forecourt.
After an inspection, both guard units take their positions and exchange the national salute. The new guard then assumes responsibility for the President’s security duties.
An equestrian display by the PBG follows, and the ceremony concludes with the National Anthem.
Rashtrapati Bhavan has revamped the ceremony over the years to make it more accessible and visually appealing to visitors.
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