Beating the Retreat marks end of Republic Day celebrations

Indian tunes were the flavour of the ceremony. As many as 18 performances were based on tunes by Indian musicians.  

The band members, in their red, olive green, orange and navy blue uniform, played for an hour creating a mesmerising visual and musical treat for the spectators.  

President Mukherjee, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, Chiefs of the three defence forces along with the hundreds of spectators watched in awe as the bands from several regiments of the armed forces played.

Fourteen military bands, 17 pipes and drums bands, 85 buglers and 14 trumpeters from various regiments of army played besides four military bands each of Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The principal conductor of the Beating the Retreat ceremony was Squadron Leader G Jayachandran.  

‘Beating the Retreat' has emerged as an event of national pride when the Colours and Standards are paraded.