India launches new ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony
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India has launched its new ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The new ceremony will allow people to witness the great military tradition. The ceremony will begin every Saturday at 10am allowing 200 visitors to witness the ceremony.
The ceremony has been revamped and relocated to make it more visually appealing and public friendly after the assumption of office by President Pranab Mukherjee. An equestrian display by the Presidents’ Body Guard (PBG) in their ceremonial regalia has been added and the venue has been shifted to the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with easier public access.
The equestrian display presents the horse and man in ceremonial regalia in harmony with the music of a military brass band. The 30 minute ceremony commences with the PBG troops, astride their caparisoned, sleekly muscled, powerful and well groomed steeds advancing from behind the Jaipur column to the tune of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ played by the Army Brass Band. The Army Guard contingent then marches in and the new guard replaces the old guard.
The day’s ceremony ends with an equestrian display by the PBG before they ride away towards the Rashtrapati Bhavan and playing of the National Anthem.
The Change of Guard ceremony was first launched in India in 2007.