India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, January 26, 2025, which commemorates the adoption of its Constitution on January 26, 1950. The day’s events features grand celebrations that highlight the nation’s cultural diversity, military strength, and advancements. Republic Day serves as a testament to India’s unity, rich cultural heritage, and the progress it has made since becoming a republic.
On this special occasion, let’s take a closer look at the Presidential Buggy, which holds a significant place in India’s ceremonial traditions. This vehicle symbolises the heritage, elegance, and grandeur associated with the office of the President of India.
What is the Presidential Buggy?
The Presidential Buggy is a six-horse-drawn carriage that was used for ceremonial purposes and to travel around the presidential estate. It is a symbol of regal tradition and reflects the grandeur of India’s colonial past, combined with its own cultural ethos.
President Droupadi Murmu and Emanuel Macron |
History of Presidential Buggy
The concept of the Presidential Buggy dates back to the colonial era, when high-ranking British officials, including the Governor-General of India, used similar carriages for official and ceremonial purposes. These buggies designed in a way to represent the prestige and authority of the British Empire in India. The buggies used in colonial times were handed over to the Indian government after India gained independence.
The British not only returned the buggies but also gave back other ceremonial assets. During the partition, assets and resources were divided between India and the newly formed Pakistan. However, the Presidential Buggy was not included in this division, leading to a dispute over its ownership between the two countries.
Former President Ram Kovind |
After the dispute, the two newly-formed nations came up with a solution of a coin toss. A coin flip, conducted by Colonel Thakur Govind Singh from India and Sahabzada Yaqub Khan from Pakistan, decided the destiny of a carriage. Finally, Colonel Singh won the buggy for India.
