President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Kartavya Path in Delhi in a ceremonial ‘buggy’ for this year’s Republic Day celebration. The President arrived at the Kartavya Path with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the chief guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.
The carriage was accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard, who travelled on majestic horses in their traditional red uniforms. As per the protocols, the chief guest (President Prabowo Subianto) sat on the left and the host (President Murmu) sat on the right. The President’s convoy left from the Rashtrapati Bhavan and headed towards the Kartavya Path, where the unfurling of the flag will take place.
The Presidential carriage, which has been used for four decades ago, was originally horse-drawn and featured gold-plated rims. The horse-drawn carriage made a comeback in 2024 Republic Day after a gap of 40 years as President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron travelled in the traditional carriage to the Kartavya Path.
#WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto step outside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, as they leave for the Kartavya Path for the 76th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 Parade.
President Subianto is attending the function as the chief guest this year.… pic.twitter.com/6xdee1P950
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
The carriage was escorted by the President’s Bodyguard — ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak’ — the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. This Republic Day is special for this elite Regiment as the ‘Angrakshak’ has completed over 250 years of service since its raising in 1773.
All About President’s Horse-Drawn Carriage
The horse-drawn ‘buggy’, utilized by the British during the pre-independence era, remained with Rashtrapati Bhawan until 1984 when it was discontinued. Subsequently, it became a part of India post-independence through a coin-toss-based decision.
The President exclusively uses the horse-pulled buggy during ceremonial occasions. These horses are specially trained to maintain perfect coordination.
The buggy was also put to use by former President Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee brought back the buggy in 2014, arriving in it to attend the Beating the Retreat ceremony, three decades after its discontinuation due to security reasons. Then, Mukherjee again brought back the buggy in 2016, after a year’s break, with President Pranab Mukherjee.
