New Delhi witnessed a grand conclusion to the 77th Republic Day celebrations with the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, directly opposite the President’s House. The event was filled with patriotic melodies and powerful displays, including a special tribute to ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the military bands. The ceremony also highlighted the dedication of Indian Army personnel on duty.
Held on Thursday evening, the ceremony brought together bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces. These bands filled the air with stirring patriotic tunes, creating an atmosphere of pride and warmth. For the first time, all audience seating areas at Vijay Chowk were named after Indian musical instruments such as Bansuri, Tabla, Sitar, Veena, Shehnai, Mridangam, Sarod, and Santoor.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present at the event, along with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The chiefs of the three armed forces and the Chief of Defence Staff also attended, accompanied by senior officials and members of the public. President Murmu was welcomed at Vijay Chowk by Prime Minister Modi.
The President was escorted with full traditional ceremonial grandeur by the President’s Bodyguard as the national anthem played, symbolising the dignified close of the Republic Day festivities reflecting India’s rich military traditions and constitutional values. The ceremony opened with the famous mass band tune ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’, followed by performances including ‘Atulya Bharat’, ‘Veer Sainik’, ‘Mili-Juli’, ‘Nritya Sarita’, ‘Maruni’, and ‘Jhelum’.
The military bands mesmerised the audience with their performances. The Central Armed Police Forces bands added to the fervour with tunes like ‘Vijay Bharat’, ‘Hathrohi’, ‘Jai Ho’, and ‘Veer Sipahi’. The Indian Air Force band was a major attraction, playing pieces such as ‘Brave Warrior’, ‘Twilight’, ‘Alert’, and ‘Flying Star’.
The Navy band contributed patriotic colours with presentations including ‘Namaste’, ‘Sagar Pawan’, ‘Matrubhumi’, ‘Tejasvi’, and ‘Jai Bharati’. The Indian Army band captivated everyone with inspirational compositions like ‘Vijayi Bharat’, ‘Arambh Hai Prachand Hai’, ‘Ae Watan, Ae Watan’, ‘Anand Math’, ‘Sugamya Bharat’, and ‘Sitare Hind’.
The ceremony concluded with the mass band performing ‘India Ki Shaan’, ‘Vande Mataram’, and ‘Drummers Call’. The rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ beautifully expressed patriotic emotions through music. The event ended on a high note with the popular tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’, played by the buglers. Squadron Leader Lamapokpam Rupchandra served as the chief conductor of the entire programme, while respective conductors led the bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Forces.
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