Age-old Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan now in new format-OxBig News Network

The stirring beats of martial music and clip-clop of hooves, juxtaposed with thunderous commands, has been an intrinsic part of Rashtrapati Bhavan, as soldiers donning immaculate ceremonial uniforms and executing crisp drill movements carry out the periodic Change of Guard ceremony.

On Sunday, President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the inaugural show of the ceremony in its new format at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.

The ceremony will be open to the public from February 22, and spectators will now witness a dynamic visual and musical performance with the backdrop of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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 will be spread over a larger area, according to an official statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

The Change of Guard ceremony is a time-honoured military tradition with roots in military antiquity involving the periodic replacement of guards and sentries at palaces, forts, and defence establishments.

“This ritual goes beyond mere security, it symbolizes vigilance, discipline, tradition, and continuity. At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s Bodyguard and the Ceremonial Army Guard Battalion jointly undertake the Ceremonial Change of Guard held every week,” according to details on Rashtrapati Bhavan’s website.

The President’s Bodyguard, also referred to as Rashtrapati Ang-rakshak, is the Indian Army’s seniormost regiment in the order of precedence, having been raised in 1773 as the Governor General’s Bodyguard during the British era. It has been bestowed several Battle Honours and presidential awards.

Though its role is largely ceremonial, its personnel take part in every war and each member of this unit is a trained paratrooper, tankman and equestrian.  Besides participating in both World Wars, its members also rotationally serve in various high-altitude areas across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Siachen and the Northeast where they are also deployed in operations with Army formations.

The Republic Day Parade, Beating the Retreat, visits by foreign heads of state and President’s opening address to Parliament and state functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan are key occasions when the President’s Bodyguard attracts attention, attired in scarlet tunics during winters or white outfits in summers and armed with ceremonial lances.

Since independence, the President’s Bodyguard has escorted one Governor General and 15 Presidents at both national and international functions, undertaking nearly 140 ceremonial parades and duties annually. Their role, charter of duties, drills and displays have been constantly evolving and refining over the years.

The Ceremonial Army Guard comprises infantry troops drawn from different regiments on a rotational basis, which, attired in their regimental regalia, man sentry posts around the complex and also make up the tri-service guard of honour for visiting dignitaries. Many of the participating regiments have been highly decorated.

This elaborate event, generally held every week, embodies the rich military heritage of India, showcasing the discipline and precision of the Armed Forces.

Taking place at Gate No. 1 of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the main entrance to the President’s house opposite Vijay Chowk at the head of Kartavya Path, the ceremony is visually captivating against the backdrop of the historic edifice.

The half-an-hour long event commences with riders of the President’s Bodyguard, mounted on their caparisoned and impeccably groomed steeds, advancing from behind the Jaipur Column as the Army’s brass band belts out stirring martial tunes. The Army guard forms up in the centre and executes a series of drill movements signifying the handing over – taking over of guard duties.

The ceremony concludes with an impressive equestrian display by the President’s Bodyguard followed by the playing of the National Anthem. The riders and guards then march out of the venue.

The Change of Guard, also known as Changing the Guard and Guard Mounting in some countries, is a universal ceremonial event practised in some form in most countries and at various hierarchical levels – from palaces and war memorials to military units and border posts.

The practise is believed to have originated in Britain. During his reign from 1485 to 1509, Henry VII made the Royal Body Guard a permanent institution. Guards Regiments were formed to provide a personal bodyguard for the Sovereign, with the first Guards raised in 1656.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony originally took place at the Palace of Whitehall, the Sovereign’s official home in London until 1689.

It is described as a formal ceremony in which sentries performing ceremonial guard duties at important institutions are relieved by a new batch of sentries.

The ceremony is often elaborate, precisely choreographed and reflects the country’s martial heritage and military traditions. Troops participating in such events generally don vintage attire, headgear and accoutrements, often dating back centuries, rather than contemporary military uniforms.

These events attract a huge number of public spectators. The ceremonies at Buckingham Palace in London, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington are among the most well-known change of guard ceremonies worldwide. The two events, however, are starkly different.

While the British ceremony is much more elaborate, involving a large number of troops, horses and musicians, the US event, in contrast, is a three-person affair involving the incumbent guard, his relief and the guard commander, and without music. In the United Kingdom, smaller Change of Guard ceremonies are held at all royal palaces and castles.