What is beating retreat ceremony 2024?

The Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk in the national capital ends India's Republic Day celebrations. This musical ritual, set against the majestic backdrop of the Raisina Hills, has deep roots in tradition. The event, scheduled for Monday evening, was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet colleagues, and other dignitaries. The ceremony on January 29 is organized by Section D of the Ministry of Defense and marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations, reflecting India's rich history, values, and commitment to democracy as it transitions to a republic.

Photo Retreat Beating Ceremony

History and Significance Of This Event

The Beating Retreat Ceremony began as a simple military ritual in which soldiers stopped fighting at dusk and lowered the flag. This evolved into a formal ceremony over centuries, and it is now an important part of India's Republic Day celebrations. The current format, created in the early 1950s, represents the end of a conflict and honours the tradition of troops withdrawing at sunset.

One of the Beating Retreat Ceremony's distinguishing features is the participation of the Indian Armed Forces' three wings: Army, Navy, and Air Force. The celebration will also be attended by India's President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Photo Retreat Beating Ceremony

While the January 26 events are larger in scale, the Beating Retreat, which wraps up the Republic Day celebrations, includes synchronised marches, notable musical pieces, and other activities. The armed forces of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and other countries hold such ceremonies.

The earliest known instance of this may have occurred in England in the 17th century when King James II ordered his soldiers to organize a parade, lower flags, and beat drums to mark the end of a combat day. One bullet from the evening gun was fired, and the ceremonial, known as "watch setting," began at dusk.

Beating Retreat Ceremony 2024: Venue and Participants

The 75th Republic Day celebrations concluded with the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at Delhi's Vijay Chowk, set against the backdrop of the Raisina Hills. The Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) music bands performed 31 Indian songs during the event.

The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, was welcomed with a Guard of Honour as she arrived at Kartavya Path to attend a ceremony. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was also present at the event in Delhi. Other distinguished guests included the Chief of Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who graced the occasion with their presence.

Photo Retreat Beating Ceremony

The ceremony is a display of military pageantry and musical ability. It features the combined bands of the Indian Armed Forces' three wings (Army, Navy, and Air Force), as well as pipes and drums bands from the Army, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces. The bands play a variety of martial music, patriotic songs, and popular melodies.

Beating Retreat dates back to the early 1950s, when Major Roberts of the Indian Army created the unique ceremony of display by massed bands. It marks a centuries-old military tradition in which troops stopped fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield, and returned to their camps at sunset with the sound of the Retreat. Colors and Standards are cased, and flags are lowered. The ceremony stirs a sense of nostalgia.

Delhi Traffic Police issues road advisory

The Delhi Traffic Police has made detailed arrangements to ensure that the Beating Retreat ceremony runs smoothly. In its advisory, it has stated that traffic restrictions will be implemented from 2 pm to 9.30 pm and Vijay Chowk will be closed for general traffic. It has also mentioned that traffic will not be permitted on Rafi Marg between the Sunehri Masjid roundabout and Krishi Bhawan, Raisina Road from Krishi Bhawan roundabout towards Vijay Chowk, and Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and C Hexagon. The public has been urged to plan their journey and allocate sufficient time to prevent inconvenience.

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