Military bands playing a tune during the Beating Retreat ceremony.
New Delhi: A crisp winter evening in the national capital witnessed the majestic Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, bringing the curtains down on the Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony, a centuries-old military tradition, showcased the precision and artistry of the bands from the three wings of the Indian armed forces – the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force – and bands from the central armed police forces, leaving the audience spellbound.
The illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan formed a stunning backdrop as the buglers sounded the retreat, marking the formal end of the Republic Day festivities. President Droupadi Murmu, the supreme commander of the armed forces, graced the occasion, along with the prime minister, Narendra Modi, other dignitaries, and a large gathering of enthusiastic citizens.
The ceremony commenced with the massed bands, dressed in their immaculate uniforms, marching onto Vijay Chowk. The synchronized movements and the resonating sound of the marching tunes created an atmosphere of patriotic fervour. The bands played a mix of traditional martial tunes, patriotic songs, and contemporary melodies, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the nation.
The principal conductor was Commander Manoj Sebastian. The Indian Army Band conductor was Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bishan Bahadur, while M Antony, MCPO MUS-II and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar were the conductors of Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, respectively.
The event started with the massed band’s rendition of “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja”, setting the tone for the event. This was followed by a series of enthralling tunes including “Amar Bharati”, “Indradhanush”, “Jai Janmabhumi”, “Nati in Himalayan Valley”, “Ganga Jamuna”, and “Veer Siachen”, performed by the Pipes & Drums band.
The CAPF bands contributed with stirring pieces such as “Vijay Bharat”, “Rajasthan Troops”, “Aye Watan Tere Liye”, and “Bharat ke Jawan”.
The Indian Air Force band delivered performances of “Galaxy Rider”, “Stride”, “Rubaru”, and “Millennium Flight Fantasy”. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy band played a selection of patriotic and inspiring melodies including “Rashtriya Pratham”, “Nishak Nishpad”, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, “Spread the Light of Freedom”, “Rhythm of the Reef”, and “Jai Bharati”.
The Indian Army band rounded off the ceremony with their powerful renditions of “Veer Sapoot”, “Taqat Watan”, “Mera Yuva Bharat”, “Dhruv”, and “Faulad Ka Jigar”.
The musical repertoire included a variety of compositions, ranging from stirring military marches to soulful patriotic songs. The bands showcased their versatility and skill with intricate arrangements and seamless transitions between different musical pieces. The performance was a testament to the dedication and rigorous training of the musicians.
Following the initial musical display, the atmosphere transitioned to one of vibrant energy as the bands showcased their versatility with a medley of upbeat tunes. The rhythmic drumbeats, the melodious notes of the wind instruments, and the coordinated movements of the musicians created a captivating spectacle. The audience was enthralled by the performance, tapping their feet and clapping along to the music.
The Beating Retreat ceremony is not just a musical performance; it is a symbolic representation of the armed forces’ readiness to defend the nation. The precision and discipline displayed by the bands reflect the high standards of training and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. The ceremony also serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the soldiers who protect the country’s borders.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the buglers sounded the “Last Post”, followed by the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”. The entire atmosphere was filled with a sense of pride and patriotism as the audience stood in attention, singing along with the anthem.
The Beating Retreat ceremony is a deeply symbolic event, marking the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations. It is a moment of national reflection, celebrating the country’s unity, diversity, and resilience. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and the ongoing commitment to building a strong and prosperous India.
The event was broadcast live across the nation, allowing millions of viewers to witness the spectacle from their homes. The Beating Retreat ceremony is not just a ceremonial event; it is a national tradition that instils a sense of pride and patriotism in every Indian.
As the lights faded and the music subsided, the echoes of the ceremony, including the uplifting notes of “Saare Jahan Se Achchha”, lingered, leaving a lasting impression on all those who witnessed this grand finale to the Republic Day celebrations.
