• 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. 

• The new format includes military drills by troops and horses of the President’s Bodyguard, along with personnel from the Ceremonial Guard Battalion and the Ceremonial Military Brass Band. The display is now spread over a larger area. 

• The ceremony will be open to a larger number of visitors from February 22. 

• Raised in 1773, the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army, tasked with ceremonial duties for the President. PBG personnel are skilled horsemen, tank operators, and paratroopers.

What is the Change of Guard ceremony?

• Change of Guard is a military tradition whose origins are lost in antiquity. From time immemorial, guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to take charge.

• Change of Guard was introduced as a ceremonial event in 2007 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

• In 2012 the ceremony was made a public event giving citizens an opportunity to attend the event.

• Previously held between Jaipur Column and gate number 1, it has now been shifted to the forecourt, expanding the capacity to over a thousand spectators.

• Conducted weekly, the 30-minute ceremony marks formal handover of duties between the outgoing and incoming guards.

• The ceremony showcased synchronised movements by the Ceremonial Battalion, precision drills by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) and performance by the Ceremonial Band, reflecting the discipline, heritage, and pride of the Indian armed forces.

• The backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with its stunning architecture and lush gardens, adds to the grandeur of the ceremony.

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