Rashtrapati Bhavan: Ceremony to Shift to Summer Timing Between 7:30 am and 8:30 am Starting This Saturday
New Delhi, May 14, 2025 — In a significant announcement, the Rashtrapati Bhavan has confirmed that the timing for the iconic ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony will be shifted to its summer schedule starting from May 17, 2025. The ceremony, a key military tradition, will now take place between 7:30 am and 8:30 am every Saturday, replacing the previous timing.
The ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony is one of the most-watched and long-standing traditions in India, drawing attention from both Indian citizens and international visitors alike. It is a symbolic event in which a new group of the President’s Bodyguards (PBG) takes over ceremonial duties, maintaining the highest standards of discipline and precision. This change comes as part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s annual adjustment to accommodate the summer heat, ensuring the comfort of both the guards and the public.
According to the statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the timing will shift to 7:30 am to 8:30 am starting this Saturday. The ceremony is a hallmark of India’s rich military and ceremonial history, with the President’s Bodyguard playing a central role in the event.
The President’s Bodyguard, established in 1773, holds the distinction of being the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. Its personnel, highly skilled and versatile, are not only ceremonial guards but also skilled horsemen, tank operators, and paratroopers, often performing critical and ceremonial duties for the President of India. They are tasked with providing security and carrying out ceremonial functions during the President’s public appearances, making them one of the most elite regiments in the armed forces.
The ceremony takes place on the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the outgoing guards ceremonially hand over the charge to the incoming unit. This event is a display of impeccable military precision, with the guards performing synchronized marches, precise formations, and a show of military prowess that never fails to leave a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
With the upcoming shift in timing, the ceremony will continue to attract large crowds, eager to witness this majestic display of tradition and discipline. The change in timing is intended to align with the seasonal changes, ensuring that the ceremony takes place in a more comfortable time window, particularly as summer temperatures begin to rise in Delhi.
This shift marks an important moment in the tradition, which has been a key feature of India’s national heritage for centuries. Visitors from across the world are expected to gather at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to witness the ceremony every Saturday morning, now with the added benefit of the more comfortable early morning hours.