The Beating Retreat ceremony was held at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on January 29, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations.

President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attended her first Beating Retreat ceremony, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

As many as 29 Indian tunes were played by the music bands of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the State Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

What is Beating Retreat ceremony?

• ‘Beating Retreat’ is a centuries old military tradition. It dates back to the days when troops disengaged from battle at sunset. As soon as the buglers sounded the ‘retreat’, the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield.

• The ceremony at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on January 29 every year marks the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. 

• The ceremony traces its origin to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands. 

• The chief guest of the function is the President of India who arrives in a cavalry unit escorted by President’s Bodyguard (PBG) personnel. 

• Military bands, pipes and drums bands, buglers and trumpeters from various Army regiments perform during the ceremony. Besides, there are bands from the Navy and Air Force.

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