India's armed forces put on a glorious show for the President — inspired by a 17th century British tradition

BI India BureauJan 30, 2019, 10:53 IST

IANS

India concludes its glorious 'Beating the Retreat’ ceremony on the third day following country’s Republic day, on 29 January 2019.

The ceremony that marks the end of Republic day festivities, was held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi with India’s President, Ram Nath Kovind inaugurating the ceremony with a salute. The event witnessed the presence of other political dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh.

The Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force tuned in to the beats of 27 tunes along with 18 military bands playing in the backdrop. In fact, this year, Indian compositions dominated the event — including ‘Namaste India’, ‘Indian Soldiers’ and ‘Tejas’ — celebrating the local Indian music.

As traditional as it may sound, the event closed to the beats of ‘Saare Jahan se accha’ with the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's Secretariat) kindled with national colors.

Here’s an insight into the historic tradition:

India's armed forces put on a glorious show for the President — inspired by a 17th century British tradition

See India's armed forces put on a glorious show for the President — inspired by a 17th century British tradition >>

The ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony is celebrated every year on 29 January to mark the closure of Republic Day celebration.

^IANS

The ceremony in India dates back to 1950s, but has its roots in a centuries-old tradition when soldiers withdrew from the battlefield and came back to their camps.

^IANS

Major Roberts from Indian Army introduced this distinct ceremony where all the three forces assembled to celebrate the day with band performances.

^{Beating the retreat ceremony celebrated in 2017. IANS}

‘Beating the Retreat’ has evolved as an event of national pride. All the three military wings — The Indian Air Force, The Indian Army, and The India Navy participate in the ceremony and display band performances. They also play hymns and showcase marches in a patriotic fervor.

^IANS

The ceremony starts with the arrival of the President of India. This year, the ceremony was attended by Ram Nath Kovind along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government dignitaries

^IANS

After the ceremony, the President sends defense forces — who visited the capital to celebrate Republic Day — back to their barracks.

^IANS

The Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's Secretariat) is lit up in tricolor.

^IANS

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India's armed forces put on a glorious show for the President — inspired by a 17th century British tradition

India's armed forces put on a glorious show for the President — inspired by a 17th century British tradition

The ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony is celebrated every year on 29 January to mark the closure of Republic Day celebration.

The ceremony in India dates back to 1950s, but has its roots in a centuries-old tradition when soldiers withdrew from the battlefield and came back to their camps.

Major Roberts from Indian Army introduced this distinct ceremony where all the three forces assembled to celebrate the day with band performances.

‘Beating the Retreat’ has evolved as an event of national pride. All the three military wings — The Indian Air Force, The Indian Army, and The India Navy participate in the ceremony and display band performances. They also play hymns and showcase marches in a patriotic fervor.

The ceremony starts with the arrival of the President of India. This year, the ceremony was attended by Ram Nath Kovind along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government dignitaries

After the ceremony, the President sends defense forces — who visited the capital to celebrate Republic Day — back to their barracks.

The Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's Secretariat) is lit up in tricolor.