Welcome to

Change of Guard

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 defense establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to take charge.

Card image

Book Your Visit Now

About

Change of Guard

 

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 the President of India. The PBG personnel are excellent horsemen, capable tank men and paratroopers.

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 defense 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 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 thirty 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.

The Change of Guard ceremony is held every Saturday, 8 AM, except Gazetted holidays.

Booking Instructions

Major Attractions

Facilities

  • reach
    Booking Counter
  • reach
    Purified Water
  • reach
    Parking
  • How to Reach

    reach
    By Train

    From Delhi (DLI) ,New Delhi (NDLS), and Hazrat Nizamuddin  (NZM) Railway Stations

    reach
    By Metro

    i) Central Secretariat Metro Station - 01 Km to Gate no. 02 via Kartvya Path

    ii) Udyog Bhavan Metro Station - 01 Km to Gate no. 37 via Dara Shikoh Road, near South Avenue

    reach
    By Bus

    i) Krishi Bhavan & Udyog Bhavan Bus Stop (Kartvya Path via Gate no. 02)

    ii) South Avenue Bus Stop (near Gate no. 37)

    reach
    BY Road

    i) Gate no. 02 - via Kartvya Path

    ii) Gate no. 37 - via Dara Shikoh Road, near South Avenue 

    (Visitors can park their vehicles near Arogya Vanam at Gate no 37.)

    Note : Visitors with vehicles are requested to enter from Gate no. 37 and park their vehicles in the parking area near Arogya Vanam.