Photos: Beating Retreat marks the end of Republic Day 2018 celebrations

Jan 30, 2018 11:26 IST

Amid soulful classical renditions and foot-tapping numbers rending the air, the Beating Retreat ceremony was held in Delhi on Monday evening, marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony this year at Vijay Chowk saw several military buglers, pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions enthralling the crowd. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

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Amid soulful classical renditions and foot-tapping numbers rending the air, the Beating Retreat ceremony was held in Delhi on Monday evening, marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony this year at Vijay Chowk saw several military buglers, pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions enthralling the crowd. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

‘Beating Retreat’ marks a centuries-old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield, returning to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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‘Beating Retreat’ marks a centuries-old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield, returning to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

Three Services and Para Military forces bands perform during the Beating Retreat of Republic Day celebrations. The function began with President Ram Nath Kovind arriving at the venue, his first appearance as the Head of State. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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Three Services and Para Military forces bands perform during the Beating Retreat of Republic Day celebrations. The function began with President Ram Nath Kovind arriving at the venue, his first appearance as the Head of State. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

The performances by the Army, Air Force and Naval bands, among other troupes, thrilled the audience as they cheered loudly. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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The performances by the Army, Air Force and Naval bands, among other troupes, thrilled the audience as they cheered loudly. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cavalcade arrives for Beating Retreat ceremony. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cavalcade arrives for Beating Retreat ceremony. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

President Ram Nath Kovind with Prime Minister Modi at the Beating Retreat celebrations.Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Defence chiefs were also present. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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President Ram Nath Kovind with Prime Minister Modi at the Beating Retreat celebrations.Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Defence chiefs were also present. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

Held at the majestic Vijay Chowk, the event included a tribute piece for late Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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Held at the majestic Vijay Chowk, the event included a tribute piece for late Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

Some of the pieces that cast a spell on the audience were -- ‘Manohar’ by Tri-Services Military Band with accompaniment of Indian instruments, ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ by Army Band, and ‘Abide With Me’ by Massed Bands. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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Some of the pieces that cast a spell on the audience were -- ‘Manohar’ by Tri-Services Military Band with accompaniment of Indian instruments, ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ by Army Band, and ‘Abide With Me’ by Massed Bands. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

Out of the 26 performances, 25 tunes were composed by Indian musicians. ‘Abide with Me’, Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite tune was the only western one. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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Out of the 26 performances, 25 tunes were composed by Indian musicians. ‘Abide with Me’, Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite tune was the only western one. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

In all, 18 military bands, 15 pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions participated in the ceremony. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

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In all, 18 military bands, 15 pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions participated in the ceremony. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

The ceremony that was observed traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed a unique display by the massed bands. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

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The ceremony that was observed traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed a unique display by the massed bands. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)

As buglers signalled the end of the ceremony, Raisina Hill complex broke into riot of lights dazzling the imposing Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the twin North Block and South Block –all bathed in a dynamic LED display. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

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As buglers signalled the end of the ceremony, Raisina Hill complex broke into riot of lights dazzling the imposing Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the twin North Block and South Block –all bathed in a dynamic LED display. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

about the gallery

Regal bands representing the Indian Armed Forces and the Paramilitary took part in the Beating Retreat ceremony on Monday evening in New Delhi, signalling the end of the four day celebrations of the 69th Republic Day.

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