The bugle was sounded signalling the procession to move on. The three mounted cavalry men got their horses to move, with a mild tug at the reins. All the horses were required to draw the carriage. Unfortunately all, except one, failed to abide by their masters’ orders. As a result, the carriage did not roll as scheduled, to the utter embarrassment of the dignitaries seated inside it. When repeated coaxing failed, the front pair of horses was separated. Eventually, the carriage was pulled by four horses.

The procession and the ceremony concluded, as the carriage crossed over the wide-open massive exit gate of Rashtrapati Bhavan, overlooking the North and South Block secretariats. It was a truly magnificent sight that ordinary Indians in Delhi could have got a glimpse of — if they had so desired.