Concluding the 75th Republic Day celebrations, the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony took place at Delhi's Vijay Chowk, in the backdrop of Raisina Hills.
The event featured performances by the music bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), presenting 31Indian tunes.
President of India Droupadi Murmu received a Guard Of Honour as she arrived at Kartavya Path to witness the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also attended at the Kartavya Path in Delhi.
Other distinguished guests Chief of Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also graced with their presence.
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Performances in the ceremony
The ceremony commenced with the bands playing National Anthem.
It was followed by the playing of ‘Shankhnaad’ tune and then the performances such as ‘Veer Bharat,’ ‘Sangam Dur,’ ‘Deshon ka Sartaj Bharat,’ ‘Bhagirathi,’ and ‘Arjuna’ by the Pipes and Drums band.
The CAPF bands contributed with renditions like ‘Bharat Ke Jawan’ and ‘Vijay Bharat.’
The Indian Air Force band showcased tunes like ‘Tiger Hill,’ ‘Rejoice in Raisina,’ and ‘Swadeshi,’ while the Indian Navy band will captivate the audience with pieces such as ‘INS Vikrant,’ ‘Mission Chandrayaan,’ ‘Jai Bharati,’ and ‘Hum Tayyar Hain.’
The Indian Army band played patriotic tunes including ‘Faulad Ka Jigar,’ ‘Agniveer,’ ‘Kargil 1999,’ and ‘Taqat Watan.’
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Under the baton of Lt Col Vimal Joshi, the principal conductor, and conductors Subedar Major Moti Lal, MCPO MUS II M Antony, Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, and Constable GD Ranidevi, the bands created a symphony of harmonious melodies.
Buglers, led by Naib Subedar Umesh Kumar, and Pipes and Drums band, under the guidance of Subedar Major Rajender Singh, graced the ceremony with their performances.
History of Beating Retreat Ceremony
The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony, rooted in military traditions dating back to the early 1950s, when Major Roberts of the Indian Army crafted this unique display of massed bands, holds deep historical significance.
The ceremony symbolizes the end of the day's conflict as troops sheath their arms, withdraw from the battlefield, and return to camps at sunset.
Colours are cased and flags are lowered, marking a historic moment.
