Beating Retreat ceremony featured new rendition marking 1971 war victory
Republic Day celebrations culminated on Friday with the Beating Retreat ceremony that featured 26 soulful band performances, including the special composition Swarnim Vijay to commemorate 50 years of India's victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan. Indian tunes were the flavor of this year's ceremony that brought the curtains down on the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations.
What is Beating Retreat Ceremony?
Beating Retreat is a centuries-old military tradition. It dates back to the days when troops disengaged from the battle at sunset. As soon as the buglers sounded the 'retreat,' the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, and withdrew from the battlefield.
Fifteen military bands participated in the ceremony
Fifteen military bands and an equal number of pipes and drums bands from regimental centers and battalions participated in the ceremony. Besides, there were performances by one band each of the Navy, the Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). As many as 26 musical performances enthralled the audience at the historic Vijay Chowk.
122 soldiers of Bangladesh Armed Forces participated in Republic Day
A contingent of 122 soldiers of Bangladesh Armed Forces had participated in the Republic Day Parade on the Rajpath on January 26. India had last month started golden jubilee (Swarnim Vijay Varsh) celebrations commemorating the 1971 war victory. The Swarnim Vijay performance at Beating Retreat was followed by pipes and drum bands, and the bands of CAPFs, Air Force, Navy, Army, and massed bands.
Ceremony ended with the tune of 'Sare Jahan Se Acha'
The ceremony ended with the ever-popular tune of Sare Jahan Se Acha. The flag was then lowered and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and Parliament House were illuminated in unison. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chiefs of all three armed forces were present at the ceremony.
