PM Modi, President Murmu Witness Beating Retreat As Republic Day Festivities Come To An End

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday attended the Beating Retreat ceremony, formally bringing the country's Republic Day celebrations to a close.

The annual event, rooted in military tradition, is held every year on January 29 in the national capital and serves as a tribute to the discipline, heritage and service of India's armed forces. The ceremony features coordinated performances by bands from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, showcasing precision, music and pageantry that reflect the nation's military legacy.

Prime Minister's Message Ahead of the Ceremony

Ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi shared a message describing the occasion as a celebration of India's enduring defence traditions.

He said the Beating Retreat embodies the strength and continuity of the nation's military heritage and expressed pride in the armed forces, calling them central to India's security and sovereignty.

Ceremony Symbolises Conclusion of Republic Day Events

In his message, the Prime Minister noted that the ceremony symbolises the formal conclusion of Republic Day events.

He underlined how the tradition mirrors the discipline and professionalism of the armed forces and quoted a Sanskrit verse emphasising unity, courage and collective resolve in times of conflict, values that, he said, define India's defence services.

A Tradition Steeped in History and Pageantry

The Beating Retreat ceremony traces its origins to centuries-old military customs. In India, it is organised annually on January 29, three days after Republic Day, and is usually held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi.

The event is attended by the President, the Prime Minister, senior government functionaries and top military officials. During the ceremony, military bands perform a range of patriotic and traditional tunes, while the lowering of the flags and the ceremonial retreat of the troops mark the official end of the Republic Day festivities.

Renowned for its musical grandeur and immaculate formations, the Beating Retreat showcases the coordination, professionalism and commitment of the armed forces. The blend of Indian compositions and military marches reflects the country's cultural diversity and its martial traditions, while also serving as a tribute to the values of service, sacrifice and unity upheld by the defence forces.