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Rashtrapati Bhavan's Change of Guard Ceremony Shifts to New Morning Timings

The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will adopt new morning timings of 8 to 9 a.m., effective from March 7. A nominal registration fee of Rs 50 per visitor was recently introduced and must be paid online. The ceremony, performed by the Ceremonial Army Guard battalion and featuring the President's Bodyguard, is a 30-minute military tradition. It includes an inspection, exchange of national salute, and an equestrian display, concluding with the National Anthem.

Key Points: Rashtrapati Bhavan Change of Guard New Timings from March 7

  • New timing of 8-9 AM from March 7
  • Rs 50 online registration fee introduced
  • Features President's Bodyguard equestrian display
  • Ceremony held every Saturday
2 min read

Rashtrapati Bhavan's Change of Guard Ceremony to switch to new timings from March 7

The iconic Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will now be held from 8-9 AM starting March 7. Learn about the new timings, registration, and ceremony details.

Rashtrapati Bhavan's Change of Guard Ceremony to switch to new timings from March 7
"The Change of Guard ceremony is a military tradition whose origins are lost in antiquity. - President's Secretariat"

New Delhi, March 5

The Change of Guard Ceremony, which takes place every Saturday at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, will shift to a new timing of 8 to 9 a.m. from March 7, the President's Secretariat said on Thursday.

The ceremony is held every Saturday, except Gazetted holidays.

Registration charges of Rs 50 per visitor were introduced from February 22, 2025.

The registration charges are payable online and will be non-refundable and non- transferable, according to the official website.

The Change of Guard ceremony 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.

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard battalion is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India.

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 President Droupadi Murmu.

The PBG personnel are excellent horsemen, capable tank men and paratroopers.

Over the years, 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 30-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 First battalion, the fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), 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.

According to the Visitors' Facilitation Cell, booking to witness the Change of Guard Ceremony can be done online.

Indian citizens are required to carry valid photo ID Cards and foreigners are required to carry their original passport for identification on the day of visit, the cell said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The ceremony is a magnificent display of our military tradition and discipline. I took my kids last year and they were mesmerized by the horses and the music. The Rs. 50 fee is nominal for such an experience. Booking online is also very convenient.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the effort to make it public-friendly, the new 8 AM timing on a Saturday might be a bit early for people coming from far suburbs of Delhi/NCR. The traffic at that hour can also be unpredictable. Hopefully, the metro frequency is good that early.
S
Sarah B
As a foreign visitor, I witnessed this ceremony last month. It was incredibly impressive and well-organized. The precision of the soldiers and the beauty of the horses were unforgettable. The new morning timing with cooler weather sounds perfect. The online process was straightforward.
K
Karthik V
Proud to read about the President's Bodyguard - excellent horsemen, tank men, and paratroopers! It's a great initiative to showcase this heritage to the public. Jai Hind!
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Meera T
The ₹50 registration fee is a smart move. It might help manage crowds better and ensure only those genuinely interested register. A small price for witnessing a piece of living history. Hope the funds are used for maintenance and further improvements.

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