SUMMARY
The Change of Guard, a longstanding military tradition, was introduced as a ceremonial event at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2007, allowing a fresh contingent of the President’s Bodyguard to take charge. Held weekly, the event signifies the formal handover of duties between the outgoing and incoming guards.
1 / 7The Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan is set to adopt a new format, showcasing an elaborate visual and musical performance against the majestic backdrop of the presidential palace, according to an official statement released on Sunday, February 16. (Image: PTI)
2 / 7The revamped format will feature military drills by troops and horses of the President’s Bodyguard, alongside personnel from the Ceremonial Guard Battalion and the Ceremonial Military Brass Band. The display will cover a larger area, the statement further noted. (Image: President of India/X)
3 / 7President Droupadi Murmu attended the inaugural ceremony in its new format on Sunday at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, as stated in an official release from her office. The ceremony will be open to a larger number of visitors from February 22, the statement said. (Image: PTI)
4 / 7The Change of Guard, a longstanding military tradition, was introduced as a ceremonial event at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2007, allowing a fresh contingent of the President’s Bodyguard to take charge. In 2012, it was made a public event, giving citizens the opportunity to witness the ceremony, officials said. Visitors can reserve their slots online at the official Rashtrapati Bhavan webstite (visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in.) (Image: PTI)
5 / 7Previously conducted between the Jaipur Column and Gate Number 1, the ceremony has now been relocated to the forecourt, increasing spectator capacity to over a thousand, officials said. Held weekly, the event signifies the formal handover of duties between the outgoing and incoming guards. (Image: President of India/X)
6 / 7The ceremony attended by President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday featured synchronised movements by the Ceremonial Battalion, precision drills by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), and a performance by the Ceremonial Band, showcasing the discipline, heritage, and pride of the Indian armed forces. (Image: President of India/X)
7 / 7Established in 1773, the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) is the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, responsible for carrying out ceremonial duties for the president. PBG personnel are highly trained as horsemen, tank operators, and paratroopers. (Image: PTI)
