President's house Rashtrapati Bhavan now opened for Common People

On the instructions of Union President Pranab Mukherjee it was decided to make the ceremonial change of guard of the President's Bodyguard open to the public every Saturday.

Rashtrapati Bhavan will now host 200 public visitors at its forecourt for watching the ceremony.

The ceremony that entails a series of military traditions — from bugles and bands to the horse-riding President's Bodyguard (PBG) is now going to have a new look as the drill will be conducted in the backdrop of the majestic dome of the presidential house from the earlier North Block.

The changes have been made on the instructions of President Pranab Mukherjee, who is very particular about the fact that this place should be open and accessible to the common man. During winter, the ceremony will start at 10am every Saturday.Lasting for about 30 minutes, visitors can witness  President's Bodyguards (PBGs) emerging from behind the tall Jaipur column amid the brass band notes of AR Rahman-composed Maa Tujhe Salaam.

It was also decided by the brass band to play some of the best known patriotic songs such as 'Sare Jahan Se Achcha' with interludes of military tunes and the 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' lalkaar (war cry) made by the troops.

Change of guard is a military tradition whose origins are lost in antiquity. From time immemorial, guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to take charge.

The ceremony was first opened to the public in 2007. Since assuming office, President Pranab Mukherjee has not only restored the ceremony, but also relocated it to make more visually interesting and people-friendly.