In view of the swearing-in ceremony of the Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India and his council deligates on Sunday i.e June 9, the change of guard ceremony will not be conducted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 15 ,and 22, according to an official statement released by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
As per the statement that was issued on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu will also address both the Houses of Parliament.
"The change of guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15 and 22, 2024 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the swearing-in-ceremony of Prime Minister and council of ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President," the official statement noted.
What Is Change Of Guard Ceremony?
The change of guard ceremony is a military tradition that is conducted every week to allow a fresh group of the President's Bodyguards to take charge.
Raised in 1773, the President's Bodyguard, is the most senior Regiment of the Indian Army, which carries out the ceremonial duties for the President of India. The PBG comprises of personnel who are excellent horsemen, paratroopers, and capable tank men.
The Change of Guard ceremony is a military tradition that has been going on since time immemorial. As part of this tradition, guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments, change periodically in order to enable a fresh body of troops to assume charge.
The Ceremonial Army Guard battalion is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India at the 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. Subsequently, the Parade Commander marches in, and the guard of the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen), marches in on his "word of command".
Following an inspection, the new guard takes position along the old guard and both of them then exchange the national salute. The new guard then assumes the duties of the guard and the ceremony ends with the National Anthem.
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, appointed Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister-designate. This happened after BJP chief J P Nadda handed her a letter on Modi's election as BJP Parliamentary Party's leader and NDA leaders submitted their letters of support.
She was also seen feeding 'dahi-cheeni' (sweet curd) to Narendra 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 along with the members of the Union council of ministers at 7:15 pm, according to another statement issued by the president's office.
Hightened Security In Delhi For Swearing-In Ceremony
Delhi police officials stated that a multi-layered security comprising five companies of NSG commandoes, paramilitary personnel, drones and snipers will surround the Rashtrapati Bhawan for the swearing-in ceremony on June 9, news agency PTI reported.
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 remain deployed around the President Murmu's house and other strategic locations on the day.