In pics: Beating Retreat ceremony

Updated: Thursday, January 30, 2014, 19:56 [IST]

New Delhi, Jan 29: As the nation celebrated its 65th Republic Day, the national festival celebrations came to an end on Wednesday with the "Beating Retreat" ceremony.

Like every year, the Beating Retreat ceremony is conducted on 29th January (three days after the Republic Day that marks the end of the festivities) and it is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

All three bands play the National Anthem song "Jana Gana Mana".

The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. President revives tradition by riding a six-horse buggy to attend the ceremony.

During the ceremony, all three bands play the National Anthem song "Jana Gana Mana" and at the same time, they unfurl the Tricolour flag at the Vijay Chowk on Rajpath, the road that leads to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Here are some 'spectacular' pics of the Beating Retreat ceremony rehearsals:

Raisina Hills illuminated with decorative lights

Illuminated Raisina Hill is reflected through the water of a fountain during the rehearsal for the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Friday.

Raisina Hills illuminated with decorative lights

President's body guards return as illuminated Raisina Hill is seen in the background during the rehearsal for the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Friday.