Shailesh Kumar, National Defence
16 February 2025, New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural show of Change of Guard Ceremony in new format at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on February 16, 2025. The event was great spectacle showcasing synchronized movements by Ceremonial Battalion, precision drills by the President’s Bodyguard and performance by the Ceremonial Band, reflecting the discipline, heritage, and pride of the Indian Armed Forces.
Change of guard, a time-honoured military tradition, was introduced as a ceremonial event in 2007 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A public event started in 2012 it gave the citizens a unique opportunity to witness and capture this grand spectacle.
Previously held between Jaipur Coloumn and Gate No. 1, it has now been shifted to the forecourt, expanding the capacity to over a thousand spectators. Conducted weekly, this ceremony marks formal handover of duties between the outgoing and incoming guards.
The ceremony will be open to larger number of visitors from next Saturday i.e. February 22, 2025 in which people can witness a dynamic visual and musical performance, with the backdrop of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Military drills by troops and horses of President’s Bodyguard, and troops of Ceremonial Guard Battalion, along with Ceremonial Military Brass Band, spread over a larger area are part of the new format. Visitors can reserve their slots at https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/
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