The heart of the national capital, Raisina Hills, was set aglow with the Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the splendid culmination of the Republic Day, 2024 celebrations on Monday.
The ceremony, with its roots tracing back to the early 1950s, unfolded at Vijay Chowk, resonating with captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes performed by military and paramilitary bands.
President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, graced the venue in the traditional 'buggy'. Present in the event were Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, union ministers, and a gathering of the general public.
The Beating Retreat ceremony holds a special place in India's military tradition, signifying the end of the day's activities. It dates back centuries when troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, and withdrew from the battlefield at sunset, marked by the sounding of the retreat. During the ceremony, colours and standards are cased, and flags are lowered, evoking nostalgia for times gone by.
The defence ministry, in a statement on Sunday, highlighted that the Raisina Hills would be filled with the enchanting tunes played by the music bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). A total of 31 captivating Indian tunes were performed before the distinguished audience.
Elaborate traffic arrangements were made by the Delhi Police, with traffic restrictions in place from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday.
Vijay Chowk remained closed to traffic during this period. Specific restrictions included no traffic on Rafi Marg between Sunehri Masjid roundabout and Krishi Bhawan roundabout, Raisina Road from Krishi Bhawan roundabout towards Vijay Chowk, beyond Dara Shikoh roundabout, Krishna Menon Marg roundabout, and Sunehri Masjid towards Vijay Chowk.
Traffic was also restricted on Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and 'C' Hexagon. With soulful music echoing through the Raisina Hills, the event offered a reminder of the nation's unity, diversity, and commitment to its centuries-old values.
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