
Rashtrapati Bhavan History
In 1911, it was decided at the Delhi Durbar that the capital of the country would be shifted to Delhi. The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan was to affirm the permanence of British rule in India and the building and its surroundings were supposed to be ''an empire in stone''. But this ''empire of stone'' was soon converted into an ''institute of democracy'', when in 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad sworn in as the first President of India and this Viceroy's Palace was converted into Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan
The entire complex is vast. It houses four floors and 340 rooms in total. Interestingly, this massive bhawan has been built mainly by use of bricks, stone and negligible amount of steel has been used. The Dome is an attractive feature representing a blend of British, European and Indian styling. The President's House is surrounded by the Central Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, India Gate.
A lot of Indian designs like Chattris, Chajjas, Jallis, Buddhist railings, etc were incorporated in the making of this pleasant structure. The colors that have been used, water features, statues of elephant, provide an Indian touch. There is also a canopy outside the entrance.
Ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Rashtrapati Bhawan continues to host many royal ceremonies having distinct national importance. One such attractive ceremony is the Guard Mounting / Change of Guard. The Change of Guard is a military tradition wherein the guards, troops or the sentries at palaces, forts change and allow other troops to take charge. The old and new troops consist of those belonging to the President's Body Guard (PBG). The entire ceremony is accompanied by melodious and inspiring music of the military bands.

The Beating Retreat marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations and takes place on the evening of 29 January. The President of India is the chief guest for the ceremony.
At the closing of the ceremony, all the flags are brought down and the entire Raisina Hills, Vijay Chowk, North and South Block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan are illuminated with bright lights. The President's Palace is also the venue for the ceremonial grants of prestigious awards like Padam Shree, Padam Vibhushan, Gallantry Awards, etc.
Every President presents a Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to his bodyguard. The President's Body Guard is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army and is a regiment with horses which carries out all the ceremonial duties for the President. This tradition dates back to 1923 and is conducted in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Read More: Aadhar Cards in Delhi, Adventure Island in Rohini, Agrasen Ki Baoli, Ambulance Services in Delhi, Delhi Ka Airport, Akshardham Temple Delhi, AIIMS Hospital in Delhi, Anand Vihar ISBT Delhi, Indian Air Force Museum, Bal Bhawan Delhi, Bal Bhawan Delhi, Best Golgappa Joints in Delhi, CGHS approved Hospital in Delhi, Bars in Delhi, Foreign Exchange Offices in Delhi, Commonwealth Games in Delhi