Rashtrapati Bhavan Change of Guard cancelled Saturday for Bangladesh PM rehearsal
Synopsis
The weekly Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan — a popular public spectacle featuring mounted cavalry and the Army Brass Band — will not take place this Saturday. A full-dress rehearsal for the ceremonial state welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken over the Forecourt, shutting out the public for the day.
Key Takeaways
The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan is cancelled on Saturday, 22 August .
The cancellation is due to a full rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman .
The President's Secretariat confirmed public entry to the Forecourt will remain restricted on the day.
The ceremony normally runs for 30 minutes every Saturday morning and features the President's Bodyguard (PBG) on horseback.
The event resumes its regular schedule the following Saturday, barring further notification.
The Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan will not be held on Saturday, 22 August, as the venue will be occupied by a full-dress rehearsal for the ceremonial welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the President's Secretariat confirmed on Friday. Public entry to the Forecourt will remain restricted for the duration of the rehearsal.
Why the Ceremony Has Been Called Off
The President's Secretariat issued a formal statement explaining that the rehearsal for PM Tarique Rahman's state welcome takes precedence over the weekly public event. Under standard protocol, the ceremony is suspended either on Gazetted holidays or when Rashtrapati Bhavan issues a specific notification — as it has done in this instance.
About the Change of Guard Ceremony
The 30-minute Change of Guard Ceremony is a long-standing military tradition held every Saturday morning at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. It traces its roots to the practice of periodically relieving guards and sentries at palaces, forts, and defence establishments so that a fresh body of troops can assume charge.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard battalion is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India. The ceremony has been revamped in recent years to make it more visually engaging and accessible to the public, with the venue shifted to the more open Forecourt.
What the Ceremony Involves
The event opens with troops of the President's Bodyguard (PBG) — mounted on caparisoned horses — advancing from behind the Jaipur Column to the accompaniment of the Army Brass Band. The Parade Commander then marches in and, on his word of command, the guard follows.
After a formal inspection, the incoming guard lines up alongside the outgoing guard, and both units exchange the national salute. The new guard formally assumes sentry duties, and the ceremony concludes with an equestrian display by the PBG and the playing of the National Anthem.
What Visitors Should Note
Members of the public who had planned to attend the Saturday ceremony are advised that access to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Forecourt will be restricted on 22 August. The ceremony is expected to resume its regular weekly schedule the following Saturday, barring any further official notification.
Point of View
But it signals something larger: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming visit to India is being accorded full ceremonial weight, with state-level rehearsals at Rashtrapati Bhavan. That choice of protocol reflects the diplomatic significance New Delhi is attaching to the bilateral reset. The public disruption to a popular weekly tradition is incidental — the real story is the diplomatic choreography being prepared behind the gates.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Change of Guard Ceremony cancelled at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday?
The ceremony is cancelled on 22 August because the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan is being used for a full-dress rehearsal for the ceremonial state welcome of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The President's Secretariat issued a formal notification restricting public entry for the day.
When does the Change of Guard Ceremony normally take place?
The Change of Guard Ceremony is held every Saturday morning at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is suspended only on Gazetted holidays or when Rashtrapati Bhavan issues a specific cancellation notice.
What happens during the Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
The ceremony features the President's Bodyguard (PBG) mounted on caparisoned horses, advancing to Army Brass Band music from behind the Jaipur Column. After a formal inspection, the incoming and outgoing guards exchange the national salute, the new guard assumes sentry duties, and the event closes with an equestrian display and the National Anthem.
Who is Tarique Rahman and why is he visiting India?
Tarique Rahman is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His upcoming visit to India is being accorded full ceremonial honours, with a state-level rehearsal at Rashtrapati Bhavan scheduled for 22 August in preparation for his official welcome.
Will the Change of Guard Ceremony resume after the cancellation?
Yes, the ceremony is expected to return to its regular Saturday schedule the following week, provided no further notification is issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
