As President Ram Nath Kovind was escorted back to Rashtrapati Bhavan after the culmination of the 73rd Republic Day celebrations on Rajpath in attendance was Virat, the horse in the President's bodyguard, who was retiring after 13 years of service.

President Kovind was joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as they bid farewell to the trusty steed, which participated in its last Republic Day parade at Rajpath in the national capital. Virat was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation earlier this year on the occasion of Army Day and is the first horse to receive the commendation card for exceptional service and abilities.