The change of guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will now take place in a revamped format, featuring an elaborate visual and musical performance set against the iconic backdrop of the presidential palace, an official statement revealed on Sunday.
This new format will showcase military drills by the President’s Bodyguard troops and horses, alongside personnel from the Ceremonial Guard Battalion and the Ceremonial Military Brass Band. The performance will be spread across a larger area, according to the statement.
President Droupadi Murmu attended the inaugural ceremony in its new format on Sunday at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, as confirmed by her office.
Starting from February 22, the ceremony will be open to a wider audience. Visitors can reserve their slots at https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in.
The change of guard is a time-honored military tradition held weekly, where a new group of the President’s Bodyguard takes charge. Established in 1773, the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) is the Indian Army’s oldest regiment, dedicated to ceremonial duties for the president. PBG members are trained horsemen, tank operators, and paratroopers.