Amid the trotting of horses and tune of soul-lifting music, the new and revamped 'Ceremonial Change of Guard' at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was thrown open to the public on Saturday morning.
The 40-minute ceremony -- involving infantry Army Guards and President's Body Guards -- is a military tradition whose origins date back to 1773 and is held every Saturday at the grand residence of the President.
From Saturday, a number of changes have been made to add more pomp and splendour, to make it appealing to the public just like the famous and much popular spectacle in Buckingham Palace in London.
So what was on offer was a splendid march by smartly dressed Infantry Army guards along with President's bodyguards in spectacular red uniform riding on horses while changing guard with clock-work precision amidst the melodious music played by the army band.
The ceremony includes the inspection of the new guard, nomination of sentries, a formal march to take post and an exchange of compliments by guards.
But what makes the ceremony truly an unforgettable spectacle are the noble mounts of the President's bodyguard, enhanced by the superb ceremonial drill, which lends a regal dignity to the ceremony.
The roads leading to the South and North Block have been decorated with tricolours along with flags of President's bodyguard and of the Assam Regiment who are the 'Ceremonial Army Guard Battalion' of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
