New Delhi, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday withdrew its earlier announcement cancelling Saturday’s Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt, which had been suspended to make way for a full rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The withdrawal came within hours of the initial announcement and has raised questions over the uncertainty surrounding the proposed visit of the Bangladesh Prime Minister to New Delhi.
In a fresh statement issued on Friday afternoon, Rashtrapati Bhavan said its earlier press release titled “No Change of Guard Ceremony this Saturday” “stands withdrawn”.
The 30-minute Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan is ordinarily held every Saturday morning. It is not conducted when Saturday falls on a gazetted holiday or when Rashtrapati Bhavan specifically notifies its cancellation.
The ceremony is a military tradition under which guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments are periodically replaced to allow a fresh contingent of troops to assume responsibility.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard battalion provides ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India.
The ceremony has been revamped and shifted to the Forecourt to make it more accessible and visually appealing to the public. An equestrian display by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), dressed in ceremonial regalia, is also part of the programme.
The ceremony begins with PBG troops riding their caparisoned horses from behind the Jaipur Column to the music of the Army Brass Band. The Parade Commander then marches in and orders the guard to enter.
Following an inspection, the new guard takes position alongside the outgoing contingent, after which both exchange the national salute. The new guard subsequently assumes responsibility for the guards and sentries.
The ceremony concludes with an equestrian display by the PBG and the playing of the National Anthem.
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