Change Of Guard Ceremony To Resume At Rashtrapati Bhawan From October 9

New Delhi, Sep 24 (TNA) The Change of Guard Ceremony, which was discontinued due to Covid-19 pandemic, will resume from October 9, 2021. This Ceremony will take place on every Saturday (except on government holidays) between 0800 a.m. and 0900 a.m.

Entry will be through prior online booking which can be made at https://presidentofindia.nic.in

or https://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/, a government spokesman informed.

The President's Bodyguard (PBG), raised in 1773, is the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. It is a Regiment carrying out ceremonial duties for the President of India. The PBG personnel are excellent horsemen, capable tank men and paratroopers.

The ceremony has been revamped and relocated to make it more visually appealing and public friendly. An equestrian display by the Presidents' Bodyguard in their ceremonial regalia has been added and the venue has been shifted to the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with easier public access.

The thirty minute ceremony commences with the PBG troops, astride their caparisoned, powerful and well groomed steeds advancing from behind the Jaipur Column to the tunes played by the Army Brass Band.

Thereafter the Parade Commander marches in, on whose ‘word of command’ the guard of 8th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen), marches in. After inspection, the new guard takes position along the old guard and both the guards exchange the national salute. Thereafter the new guard takes over the duties of guards and sentries. The ceremony ends with an equestrian display by the PBG and playing of the National Anthem.