New Delhi: The Rashtrapati Bhavan did a U-turn and withdrew, within hours, its communique suspending Saturday’s Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt for a full rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The withdrawal of the communique by the Rashtrapati Bhavan is being seen as a reflection of the uncertainty over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to New Delhi.
After announcing the suspension of the Ceremony, the Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a fresh statement later in the afternoon, stating that the press release issued on Friday on the subject “No Change of Guard Ceremony this Saturday” stands withdrawn.
Usually, the 30-minute Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan is held every Saturday morning.
The ceremony does not take place on Saturday if it is a Gazetted holiday or if it is so notified by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Change of Guard ceremony is a military tradition as part of which guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to take charge, according to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard battalion is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India.
The ceremony has been revamped and relocated to make it more visually appealing and public-friendly. An equestrian display by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) in their ceremonial regalia has been added, and the venue has been shifted to the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with easier public access, it said.
The 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 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.
(IANS)
