It was sheer luck that I came to know about the Change Of Guards ceremony that happens at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Though this spectacle takes place everyday, but it is open for public to attend only on weekends. The ceremony begins every morning at 8 am and one needs to carry a valid Id Proof to attend. Given that Independence Day is round the corner, I guess it’s the right time to let this well-kept secret out. But words will never be enough to describe how it feels to witness the ceremony and how it fills your heart with pride and love for the motherland.
One Sunday morning in June, I sacrificed my super precious morning sleep and reached Rashtrapati Bhavan along with a few friends from Travel Correspondents and Bloggers Group. Though I am not at all a morning person, this one remains an exception. We reached a few minutes before it all began and that time was utilized in an interesting story-telling session by Heritage Activist Vikramjit Singh Rooprai. Even though it was hot and humid, none of us seemed to notice the weather as we were all lost in the Delhi of the past which Vikramjit brought alive in front of our eyes. History has never been a favourite for me, but there was something that kept me interested in these tales of a bygone era. Soon, it was time to enter the gates of the President’s house and we walked in with pride as well as excitement.
We settled down at the carefully laid out chairs with our cameras in place. But then no camera can capture the goosebumps that came along as the President’s Guards marched towards us. We sat there, speechless and in awe of these men, who were all 6 feet tall, by the way. That’s kind of pre-requisite for being a part of the President’s Guard Squad. For the entire duration of the ceremony, I could not stop admiring these soldiers who were just perfect.
The Change of Guards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of those things which should be experienced, and not just read about. Words will never be enough, so promise yourself a miracle this Independence Day, and go see this at the earliest. While you’re at Rashtrapati Bhavan, you can also check out the museum inside. Make sure you book for that online as walk-in entries are not allowed. I have been told that it’s really worth a visit and is on my agenda since a few days. I know I will bring back a lot of stories from that museum at Rashtrapati Bhavan and this one falls perfectly in place with my agenda of exploring Delhi the weekends I am not travelling.
Those stories are for another day. Today, leaving you with the grandeur of the Change of Guards Ceremony. You can thank me later!
It’s such a moment of pride singing Jnana Gana Mana and boose bumps watching the national tricolor unfurl. I hope that one day I can be at Ref Fort or Rashtrapati Bhavan. Such a beautiful post Akanksha. Every year, I go early in the morning at the IGCIC in Mauritius to celebrate India I Day.
Happy Independence Day:
https://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com/2016/08/14/independence-day-special-silent-ranks/
Goosebumps indeed. I can’t possibly try to word the feeling any other way.
it must be really amazing to watch this is real. Just looking at them is enough to give me goosebumps and fill my heart with pride. Loved reading about your experience.
Thanks! Indeed this was a heartwarming experience and I would love to and watch it again some day soon.
Interesting. I though Rashtrapati Bhavan is not open to public, but learnt that the mughal garden and many other parts can be explored. On my list during next visit to Delhi
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