Navy begins end of its week-long celebrations

Mumbai, Dec 3 (UNI) The musical band of the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy today played the ceremonial 'Beating Retreat' at the Gateway of India here, beginning the end of Navy Week celebrations.

The Naval band will formally play the 'Beating Retreat' in the presence of Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna tomorrow, thus bringing the week-long celebrations to a ceremonial end.

The week-long Navy celebrations included an open sea swimming championship, sports, ferrying physically challenged children for a sea cruise, interaction with the people and a host of other activities involving civilians Ministry of Defence Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) A K Lamhate told UNI that the Naval Band of the Western Fleet is one of the best and most acclaimed bands in India and across the world.

The Western Fleet band has done exceptionally well since its inception and has been invited on several occasions to perform in several countries like Singapore, Malaysia Indonesia, Germany and France.

The Naval Band was first formed in the 1940s during the colonial era with 50 personnels. In the early 50s, the band was inducted into the Western Fleet. Today, it boasts of 130 personnels playing various instruments with utmost precision and expertise.

'Beating Retreat' is an age-old military ceremony, which has its origin in the practicalities of warfare. The drum, used for all signals on the battlefield, beat the signal to 'Retreat' in the evening.

The custom was also used to warn outlying troops to return to their billets before the gates were shut for the night. Later, piper playing was added to the 'Beating Retreat'.

The ceremony has been embellished over the years, which has taken the form of a military musical pageant. The ceremony culminates with the lowering of colours at sunset.

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