New Delhi [India], July 30 : The Change of Guard Ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, will not take place on August 1 and 8, 2026, due to rehearsals for the upcoming Independence Day Ceremony.
According to a press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the ceremony has been cancelled on both dates in view of the preparations and rehearsals for the Independence Day Ceremony 2026.
According to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Change of Guard ceremony is a longstanding military tradition whose origins date back to ancient times. Historically, guards and sentries stationed at palaces, forts, and defence establishments were replaced at regular intervals to allow a fresh group of troops to assume duty.
The 30-minute ceremony is held every Saturday and symbolises the formal transfer of responsibility between guards. During the ceremony, guards and sentries are changed periodically, continuing a tradition followed in several military establishments.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ceremonial Army Guard Battalion is responsible for providing ceremonial guards and sentries for the President of India. The ceremony has recently been revamped and relocated to make it more visually appealing and accessible to the public. The venue has been shifted to the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, allowing easier access for visitors.