NEW DELHI: Foot-tapping music and soulful classical renditions reverberated at Vijay Chowk on Wednesday as the Republic Day celebrations culminated with the Beating Retreat ceremony here with 26 performances by the bands of the armed forces and central and state police contingents.
From "Abhiyan" to "Nritya Sarita" and "Ganga Jamuna", Indian tunes were the flavour of the Beating Retreat ceremony. The function began with President Ram Nath Kovind arriving at the venue in his ceremonial motorcade.
The event came to a close with the ever-popular tune 'Sare Jahan se Acha'. This year, 15 military bands, 16 pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions participated in the ceremony.
The event came to a close with the ever-popular tune 'Sare Jahan se Acha'. This year, 15 military bands, 16 pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions participated in the ceremony.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, state police and Central Armed Police Force bands performed over two dozen tunes.
There were 25 tunes composed by Indian musicians, including "Madhumari", "Marhapeka", "Jauna Solti" and "Vijay Bharat".
Principal conductor of Beating the Retreat ceremony was Flying Officer Rupachandra, while Army Military bands conductor was Risalda Major Rajender Singh. Navy and Air Force band conductors were Master Chief Petty Officer Vincent Johnson and Junior Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar respectively.
Beating Retreat marks a centuries old military tradition dating from the days when troops disengaged from battle at sunset. As soon as the bugglers sounded the "retreat", the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield. It is for this reason that the custom of standing still during the sounding of "retreat" has been retained to this day. Colours and standards are cased and flags lowered.
The function began with President Ram Nath Kovind arriving at the venue in his ceremonial motorcade.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Air Force Chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karamvir Singh were present on the occasion.