Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 5: The Change of Guard Ceremony at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be held between 8 am and 9 am every Saturday from November 7, as part of the annual shift to the winter schedule, an official statement said on Thursday.
The ceremonial parade, which showcases the precision, discipline and heritage of the Indian Armed Forces, was previously held between 7.30 am and 8.30 am during the summer schedule.
The ceremony attracts a large number of visitors, including tourists, students and citizens, who gather to witness the colourful display of marching contingents, military bands and the formal transfer of duties between units.
The Change of Guard is a longstanding military tradition observed at prominent locations across the world, including Buckingham Palace in London, Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, the United States. It involves the formal transfer of responsibilities as one group of soldiers hands over charge to another.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the 30-minute ceremony is conducted every Saturday morning. However, it is not held on Saturdays that fall on a gazetted holiday or when the Rashtrapati Bhavan administration issues a notification to that effect.
The ceremony is part of a military tradition under which guards and sentries stationed at palaces, forts and defence establishments are periodically replaced by fresh troops.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard Battalion is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India.
Over the years, the ceremony has undergone several changes to make it more visually appealing and accessible to the public. An equestrian display by the President's Bodyguard (PBG), with personnel dressed in their ceremonial regalia, has been incorporated into the event. The venue has also been shifted to the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan to facilitate easier public access.
The ceremony begins with PBG personnel riding their caparisoned, well-groomed horses from behind the Jaipur Column to the tunes of the Army Brass Band.
This is followed by the arrival of the Parade Commander, on whose command the guard marches in. After inspection, the new guard takes position alongside the outgoing guard, and both contingents exchange the national salute.
The incoming guard then formally assumes responsibility for the guards and sentries.
The ceremony concludes with an equestrian display by the President's Bodyguard and the playing of the National Anthem.