Why Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Change Of Guard Ceremony Will Not Take Place Saturday

The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Forecourt will not take place on Saturday.

An official said authorities will conduct a full rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The President’s Secretariat issued the announcement on Friday. It said public access to the ceremony would remain restricted during the rehearsal.

The 30-minute ceremony normally takes place every Saturday morning.

Rashtrapati Bhavan does not hold it on a gazetted holiday or when officials issue a specific notification.

The Change of Guard remains a longstanding military tradition.

Guards and sentries periodically replace one another at palaces, forts, and defence establishments.

The practice allows a fresh contingent of troops to assume duty.

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard battalion provides guards and sentries for the President of India.

Authorities have revamped the ceremony to make it more engaging and accessible to visitors. They shifted it to the Forecourt for easier public entry.

The programme now features an equestrian display by the President’s Bodyguard in ceremonial attire.

The event begins with the President’s Bodyguard riding decorated horses from behind the Jaipur Column. An Army Brass Band accompanies their advance.

The Parade Commander then enters and orders the guard to march forward.

After an inspection, the incoming guard lines up beside the outgoing contingent.

Both formations exchange the national salute before the new guard assumes responsibility for the sentries and guards.

The ceremony concludes with an equestrian display by the President’s Bodyguard and the playing of the National Anthem.

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