The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan debuted in a new format today, marking a significant update to this iconic military tradition. The inaugural show took place at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu, who graced the occasion with her presence.

The revamped ceremony will now be held every Saturday and, starting from February 22, 2025, it will be open to a larger number of visitors, offering the public a chance to experience this majestic military tradition against the grand backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A Spectacle of Military Precision and Tradition

The new format promises an expanded and more captivating experience, with:

• Military drills performed by the elite troops and horses of the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
• Precision formations by the troops of the Ceremonial Guard Battalion, showcasing military discipline and valor.
• An impressive performance by the Ceremonial Military Brass Band, adding grandeur with traditional martial tunes.

The drills and performances will now be spread over a larger area, ensuring an immersive experience for the audience.

Public Participation and Online Booking

Visitors eager to witness this spectacular ceremony can attend it every Saturday, beginning from February 22, 2025. The event is expected to become a major cultural and patriotic attraction for both domestic and international visitors.

Bookings for the ceremony can be made through the official website:
👉 https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in

A Tradition of Pride and Valor

The Change of Guard Ceremony is a traditional military practice that symbolizes the formal handing over of security duties from one group of guards to another. This ceremony, steeped in military heritage, reflects the dignity and discipline of the Indian Armed Forces and has been a regular feature at Rashtrapati Bhavan, drawing admiration from visitors worldwide.

President Droupadi Murmu Commends the New Format

President Droupadi Murmu, who personally witnessed the inaugural show, expressed her appreciation for the impeccable military discipline and the splendid coordination displayed by the participating units. She also emphasized the importance of such ceremonies in instilling patriotic pride and showcasing the heritage of the Indian Armed Forces to the public.

An Invitation to Experience Military Grandeur

With the public opening of the ceremony, Rashtrapati Bhavan invites citizens to be a part of this awe-inspiring event that blends tradition, military excellence, and national pride. The redesigned format ensures a memorable experience for all attendees.

In a proud moment for the Indian military, the Honourable Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, presented the Governor’s Unit Citation to several distinguished units for their exceptional service in maintaining peace and security in the region. The ceremony, held at Raj Bhawan, Imphal, honored 46 Assam Rifles, 19 Assam Rifles, 8 Assam Rifles, 5 SIKH, and 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) on Sunday.

Governor Bhalla, who took oath as the 19th Governor of Manipur on January 3, 2025, after serving as the Union Home Secretary, expressed his admiration for the dedication and patriotism shown by these units. “Their service exemplifies the true spirit of sacrifice and commitment to our nation’s peace,” he remarked during the ceremony.

The event was marked by the presentation of citations, which were handed over in a formal investiture ceremony attended by high-ranking officials and military personnel. The backdrop of the ceremony featured the emblem of India, signifying the national importance of the event.

The Assam Rifles, with a rich history dating back to the British era, were recognized for their longstanding role in border security and counter-insurgency operations in Northeast India. Originally formed to protect settlements, their evolution into a pivotal force in maintaining regional stability was highlighted in this ceremony.

The Sikh Regiment, known as the most decorated regiment in the Indian Army, received accolades for its valor and service. With origins tracing back to 1846, the regiment has a legacy of participating in numerous international conflicts and wars, showcasing their bravery and commitment.

The ceremony not only celebrated the contributions of these units but also served as a reminder of the continuous efforts of the Indian military in ensuring peace, especially in sensitive areas like Manipur. Social media reactions from the public, including congratulations and expressions of gratitude, further highlighted the community’s appreciation for the military’s service.

This event underscores the unity between civilian governance and military forces in promoting peace and security, a vital aspect of Manipur’s development and stability.

Pune, February 15, 2025 – The Southern Command of the Indian Army marked the 115th Raising Day of the Corps of Signals with a solemn ceremony at the Southern Command War Memorial. Major General K K Chakrabarti, the Chief Signal Officer of Southern Command, led the tribute by laying a wreath to honor the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation.

The event, which took place against the backdrop of the lush greenery of the memorial, was a poignant reminder of the dedication and valor of the soldiers of the Corps of Signals. Following the wreath-laying, Southern Star Signals organized a special get-together for veterans. This gathering was not just a celebration but a moment of heartfelt interactions between veterans and serving officers, further enriching the event with stories of courage, camaraderie, and service.

The Southern Command, with a rich history dating back to 1895, has been instrumental in various pivotal moments in Indian military history, including the integration of princely states into modern India, the 1961 liberation of Goa, and the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971. This celebration not only commemorates the legacy of the Corps of Signals but also reinforces the enduring bond between past and present members of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army continues to honor its veterans through various initiatives, reflecting the deep respect and care for those who have served. The 115th Raising Day of the Corps of Signals was a testament to this tradition, celebrating the excellence and service of the Indian Army over the past 115 years.

New Delhi, February 15, 2025 – In a significant step towards bolstering the defence ties between India and Japan, Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Vajra Corps, recently reviewed the training and preparedness of the Indian Army contingent set to participate in the upcoming Exercise Dharma Guardian-VI. The exercise, scheduled to take place in Japan from February to March 2025, aims to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the two nations.

During his inspection, Lt Gen Chandpuria commended the exceptional training and high morale of the Indian soldiers, emphasizing the importance of embracing best practices and strengthening camaraderie. “The contingent’s readiness and spirit are commendable. I urge them to represent India with pride on the global stage, showcasing our commitment to peace and security,” he stated, highlighting the significance of the exercise in fostering stronger bilateral relations.

Exercise Dharma Guardian, now in its sixth iteration, has become a cornerstone of the India-Japan defence relationship, which has seen a steady increase in military engagements over the years. This joint exercise not only facilitates tactical level training but also promotes mutual understanding and respect between the Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force.

The review comes at a time when the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region is at the forefront of global security discussions. With India and Japan both advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, such exercises are pivotal in reinforcing their shared vision and operational capabilities.

The Indian contingent’s participation in Exercise Dharma Guardian-VI is part of a series of engagements that include previous iterations of the exercise, as well as other joint military exercises like Veer Guardian and JIMEX, the latter focusing on maritime security. These activities underscore the deepening military-to-military ties, which are complemented by defence technology cooperation and agreements on security information sharing.

Lt Gen Chandpuria’s visit and the upcoming exercise are timely, coming in the wake of recent developments in defence cooperation between India and Japan, including the signing of agreements on defence equipment and technology cooperation. This exercise is expected to further this momentum, ensuring that both nations are well-prepared to address contemporary security challenges collaboratively.

The Indian Army’s participation in Exercise Dharma Guardian-VI, under the leadership of Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, is a testament to India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities through international cooperation, while also reinforcing the strategic partnership with Japan.

In a recent visit to the forward areas of Dagger Division and Vajr Division, Lieutenant General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, the Army Commander of Northern Command, conducted a thorough review of the operational preparedness of these formations on February 14, 2025.

Accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Chinar Corps, Lt. Gen. Kumar assessed the readiness of the troops, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high levels of professionalism amidst the challenging security situation in the region.

During his visit, Lt. Gen. Kumar also inspected the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) training node in Uri and the Integrated training node at Panzgam. He was briefed on the current security scenario, recent counter-terrorism operations, and the initiatives aimed at fostering a soldier-citizen connection.

The Army Commander commended all ranks for their dedication in upholding the sanctity of the Line of Control (LC) and praised their professionalism in handling complex security challenges.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Kashmir, while also highlighting the importance of training and operational readiness in counter-terrorism efforts.

The efforts to maintain strong community ties through soldier-citizen connect initiatives were also recognized as crucial for the overall strategy in the region.