This buggy in India was earlier used for the official end of the Republic Day festivities as President used to drive to the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk in his gold plated royal buggy but over the last two decades, the president has been driving to the Beating Retreat ceremony in his or her armoured car, escorted as usual by the mounted President's Bodyguards.
ALSO VIEW: What takes the forces to prepare for the Republic Day Parade?
The buggy itself has a history of its own.
At the time of Partition, regiments under the Governor General's Bodyguards (now known as the President's Bodyguards) were divided in a 2:1 ratio.
However when it came to the viceroy's buggy, neither country was willing to give up its claim.
Partition anecdote has it that the first commandant of the GGBG and his Muslim deputy (who went on to join the Pakistani forces) tossed a coin, and India won the buggy.
This year the buggy is being used for the rehearsals but sources in Rashtrapati Bhavan say a final call on whether Mukherjee will make an appearance in it on January 29 will be taken only a day in advance.
Thus this year India can expect that a tradition discontinued over 20 years ago could be revived at the Beating Retreat ceremony if President Pranab Mukherjee opts against his armoured limousine and uses the traditional gold-plated presidential buggy instead.
The final call will be taken on Jan 28.
