beating-retreat-marks-end-of-republic-day-festivities

Patriotic melodies echoed across Raisina Hill on Thursday evening as the Beating Retreat ceremony formally brought the 77th Republic Day celebrations to a close, blending military tradition with national pride and cultural symbolism.

 

The ceremony began with the stirring strains of Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja, performed by a marching band descending Raisina Hill, setting the tone for an evening steeped in history and pageantry. The event this year also marked 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, adding a special cultural resonance to the occasion.

 

President Droupadi Murmu, who presided over the ceremony, arrived at the venue in a traditional ceremonial buggy, escorted to the sound of bugles. Her arrival added grace to the solemn proceedings, underscoring the continuity of India’s constitutional and ceremonial traditions.

 

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with senior civil and military officials, were present.

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Following the opening march, a piped band performed a medley of compositions while forming intricate visual patterns symbolising landmark national milestones, including 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the Gaganyaan space mission, and Amar Jawan Jyoti, paying tribute to India’s scientific ambition and the sacrifice of its armed forces.

 

A Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) band later played Vijay Bharat, a composition celebrating India’s cultural heritage, resilience and emergence on the global stage. The performance drew warm applause from the audience gathered at Vijay Chowk and along Raisina Hill.

 

Large screens installed at the venue displayed live visuals of the ceremony alongside symbolic imagery reflecting India’s military valour, technological progress and patriotic legacy.

 

Rooted in centuries-old military tradition, the Beating Retreat ceremony symbolises the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations each year, combining discipline, music and ceremonial splendour to reflect the enduring spirit of the nation.