Republic Day 2024: President Murmu Revives 'Buggy Tradition' With French Prez Emmanuel Macron

Republic Day 2024: President Droupadi Murmu broke a four-decade hiatus on Friday and arrived at Kartvya Path in Delhi in a ceremonial buggy for this year’s Republic Day celebration. She arrived at Kartvya Path with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. According to the protocol, the Chief Guest sits on the left, and the host (President Murmu) sits on the right.

The presidential carriage, used over four decades ago, was originally horse-drawn and featured gold-plated rims. This carriage, 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 has also been used previously 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.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the presidential buggy was discontinued after the assassination of the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, due to security reasons. Subsequently, presidents began using limousines for travel.