Republic Day celebrations come to an end

Image: Military bands sound the retreat during the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

Beating the Retreat ceremony, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations, was held in New Delhi on Friday with 35 bands from the three services playing solemn military tunes.

A total of 35 bands from Army, Navy and Air Force performed at the ceremony. Out of these, 20 were military bands while 15 were of pipes and drums.

The Navy and Air Force contributed four bands each, while rest of the 27 bands were from the Army.

History of Beating Retreat

Image: Decorated camels of Border Security Force
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

The wars in ancient India were fought strictly in accordance with time-honoured traditions. It commenced everyday at the appointed time in the morning, which was indicated by sounding of conch shells, 'turhi' (an ancient wind instrument) and 'nagaras' (Huge Drums), by the opposing sides.

The end of battle for the day was marked by Beating Retreat, by both the adversaries.

As soon as the Buglers sounded 'Retreat', troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, paid homage to their comrades who had died in battle and withdrew from the battlefield. The homage was paid by standing still. At Retreat, Colours and Standards were cased, flags were lowered, and the battle ended.

Trumpets, bugles and drums

Image: The marching band
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

President Pratibha Patil was the chief guest of the function.

Her arrival was sounded by trumpeters, 38 buglers and 38 echo buglers followed by the playing of the National Anthem and a tune 'Sam Bahadur' composed by L B Gurung, named after 1971 war hero Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Army's 15 Massed Pipes and Drums Bands played a total of six tunes -- 'Surya', a quick march tune, 'Sky Boat Song', a slow march tune, 'Pipers Cave', a quick march tune, 'The Marques of Huntley', a strathspey tune, 'Jock Wilsons', a reel tune and 'Highland Laddie', a quick march tune.

An enthralling performance

Image: Military bands sound the retreat
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

The military bands of Air Force and Navy followed the massed pipes and drums bands of the Army.

They played five tunes -- 'Ocean's Splendour', 'Bhartiya Nau Sena Sky Hawks', 'Swantatra Bharat ake Shaan', 'Nocturnal Cry' and 'Subroto'.

'Sare Jahan se Achha' was the final rendition

Image: Indian soldiers play musical instruments during the ceremony
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

This was followed by the massed military bands of the Indian Army playing 'Hanste Lushai', 'Gangotri', 'Abhinandan', 'Dhola re Dhola' and 'Giuri Raj Song'.

All the massed military bands then played the 'Gulmarg' and 'Abide with me'. 'Sare Jahan se Achha' was the final rendition.

A perfect evening

Image: Spectators watch the ceremony
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

Elaborate security and traffic arrangements were in place for the grand ceremony, which was held at Vijay Chowk in the evening, officials said.

Vijay Chowk was closed for traffic between 4 pm and 9:30 pm while Delhi Transport Corporation and Blueline buses, which pass through there, in their normal routes will be diverted.

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