Rashtrapati Bhavan's Weekly Change Of Guard Deferred For 3 Weeks, Details Here

The Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be deferred for three weeks due to the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister and his council of ministers on June 9. The ceremony will not be held on June 8, 15, and 22, according to an official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Droupadi Murmu will also address both Houses of Parliament, as mentioned in the statement issued on Friday. "The change of guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15, and 22, 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and council of ministers at the Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the President's address to both Houses of Parliament," the statement noted.

What Is the Change Of Guard Ceremony?

The Change of Guard ceremony is a military tradition conducted weekly to allow a fresh group of the President's Bodyguards to take charge. Established in 1773, the President's Bodyguard is the most senior regiment of the Indian Army, responsible for the ceremonial duties of the President of India. The regiment comprises excellent horsemen, paratroopers, and capable tank men.

This ceremony is a longstanding military tradition where guards and sentries at palaces, forts, and defense establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to assume charge. The Ceremonial Army Guard battalion provides ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The 30-minute event begins with the PGB troops riding their horses from behind the Jaipur Column to the tunes of the Army Brass Band. The Parade Commander then marches in, followed by the guard of the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen), marching in on his "word of command". After an inspection, the new guard takes position alongside the old guard, and both exchange the national salute. The new guard then assumes the duties of the guard, and the ceremony ends with the National Anthem.

On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister-designate after BJP chief J P Nadda handed her a letter confirming Modi's election as BJP Parliamentary Party leader and NDA leaders submitted their letters of support. She was also seen feeding 'dahi-cheeni' (sweet curd) to Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan as he met her to stake his claim to form the government on June 7.

On Sunday, President Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and the Union council of ministers at 7:15 pm, according to another statement from the president's office.

Heightened Security In Delhi For Swearing-In Ceremony

Delhi police officials have stated that a multi-layered security arrangement comprising five companies of NSG commandos, paramilitary personnel, drones, and snipers will surround Rashtrapati Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony on June 9, as reported by PTI. Delhi will remain on high alert on Sunday as various dignitaries from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations have been invited to Modi's oath-taking ceremony. SWAT and NSG will also be deployed around President Murmu's residence and other strategic locations on the day.