By IANS
New Delhi : It was an unforgettable spectacle of smartly-turned out soldiers, including some on well-groomed steeds, marching to the tune of military music at the change of guards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. But the ritual in its re-invented form, thrown open to the public Saturday, failed to attract much crowds.
Although a battery of still and television cameras were there to film the majestic ceremony, only a small group of school children and public were present before Rashtrapati Bhavan on a cold, but sunny morning.
But officials are not disappointed. They say it is just the beginning and crowds will pick up.
For those who came to witness the 45-minute-long action on the first day were quite elated. “I read about the Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremonies only in books. Today I have witnessed it. It was wonderful,” said Arpit Jain, a student.
“I heard about today’s ceremony from one of my journalist friends. I did not want to miss it as I have read about such a ceremony in Buckingham Palace. I watched it with pride and excitement,” said Ashok, a tourist from Kerala.
The splendid ceremonial changing of the guard at India’s presidential palace is now being marketed as a major event for both domestic and foreign tourists to the capital city.
Foreigners, who came to watch the ceremony, said they enjoyed the show though they did not understand the Hindi commands.
J.J. Owens, a British woman who came with her two children was fascinated by the exquisite attire of the soldiers. “The Buckingham Palace ceremony is a more elaborate one. But I enjoyed this one too. The turbans are very colourful,” she said.
The military ritual, a traditional ceremony in which infantry Army Guards and the President’s Bodyguard, attired in spectacular red and green change guard with clock-work precision, will now be opened to general public on all Saturday mornings.
The show will be conducted for the public from 10 a.m. during winter and 8 a.m. in summer. Around 150 soldiers along with 36 horses will take part in the ritual. They will march ceremoniously from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the North and South Block Square and go back to the palace’s forecourt for handing over the charge to the new guards. The military band will play music and the ceremony will end with “Saare Jahan Se Achcha”.
The public can watch it from in between the North and South Blocks.
Although the ceremonial change of guard has been there for long, it was never projected as a tourist attraction and not many are aware of it.
The President’s Bodyguard (PBG) consists of the oldest and senior most units of the Indian Army and the President’s personal troops. Raised in Benares in September 1773, it was created as “the Governor’s Troop of Mogul’s” by Warren Hastings.