The 77th Republic Day celebrations concluded with a spectacular Beating Retreat ceremony on Thursday evening, featuring powerful musical tributes to Operation Sindoor and showcasing India’s rich martial heritage through innovative performances.
Historic Military Display with Modern Flair
The ceremony featured groundbreaking elements, including illuminated performer attire and digital LED panels mounted on instruments. Special formations by band members depicted key moments from Operation Sindoor and paid tribute to the recently decommissioned MiG-21 fighters.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the event, joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and other distinguished leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Justice Surya Kant. The service chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff were also in attendance.
Musical Innovation Meets Tradition
In a unique tribute to India’s cultural heritage, all spectator sections at Vijay Chowk were named after classical Indian instruments like the sitar, veena, shehnai, and santoor. Squadron Leader Lamapokpam Roopchand Singh conducted the grand musical showcase.
Highlights from the Performance
The evening began with the stirring “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja” by the Massed Band. The Pipes and Drums band followed with patriotic compositions including “Atulya Bharat” and “Veer Sainik.” The Central Armed Police Forces contributed powerful renditions of “Vijay Bharat” and A.R. Rahman’s “Jai Ho.”
The Air Force band performed dynamic pieces like “Brave Warrior” and “Flying Star,” while the Navy band showcased “Sagar Pawan” and “Matrubhoomi.” The Army band captivated audiences with “Vijayi Bharat” and “Sugamya Bharat.”
Grand Finale
The ceremony reached its pinnacle with the Massed Band’s performance of “Vande Mataram” and concluded with the timeless “Saare Jahan Se Achha.” As traditions dictate, the event ended with the lowering of the national flag and the playing of the National Anthem, while the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and Parliament building were illuminated in a breathtaking display.
