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Beating Retreat 2026: President Murmu Presides as Republic Day Festivities Culminate

The 77th Republic Day celebrations concluded with the traditional Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. Bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces performed a series of patriotic and traditional melodies. The ceremony was attended by the nation's highest dignitaries, including the Vice-President and Prime Minister. This year's event featured seating enclosures uniquely named after classical Indian musical instruments.

Key Points: Beating Retreat 2026 Ceremony Concludes Republic Day Celebrations

  • Ceremony concluded 77th Republic Day
  • Armed Forces bands performed patriotic tunes
  • Seating named after Indian instruments
  • Event attended by top dignitaries
3 min read

President Murmu presides over Beating Retreat ceremony, 77th Republic Day celebrations conclude

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, marking the close of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations with military bands.

"The melodious tunes epitomised the nation's rich cultural heritage and military traditions. - President's Office"

New Delhi, January 29

The 77th Republic Day celebrations concluded with the traditional Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk on Thursday, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, bringing the national festivities to a ceremonious close.

In a post on X, the President said the ceremony offered a befitting conclusion to the Republic Day celebrations. The bands from the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces captivated the audience with remarkable performances that reflected the spirit of national unity and the enduring valour of India's armed forces.

"The melodious tunes epitomised the nation's rich cultural heritage and military traditions," the post further added.

The iconic Vijay Chowk was reverberated with captivating Indian tunes during the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29, 2026, marking the culmination of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

According to a release from Ministry of Defence, the bands of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force and the Central Armed Police Forces played an array of foot-tapping melodies before a distinguished audience, comprising President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, other Union Ministers, senior officials and the public.

The ceremony began with the Massed band's 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja', followed by melodious tunes by the Pipes & Drums band such as 'Atulya Bharat', 'Veer Sainik', 'Mili Jhuli', 'Nritya Sarita', 'Marooni', and 'Jhelum'. The Central Armed Police Forces bands played 'Vijay Bharat', 'Hathrohi', 'Jai Ho' and 'Veer Seepahi'.

The tunes played by the band of the Indian Air Force included 'Brave Warrior', 'Twilight', 'Alert', and 'Flying Star', while the Indian Navy band played 'Namaste', 'Sagar Pawan', 'Matribhumi', 'Tejasvi', and 'Jai Bharati'. It was followed by the band of the Indian Army playing 'Vijayee Bharat', 'Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai', 'Aye Watan, Aye Watan', 'Anand Math', 'Sugamya Bharat', and 'Sitare Hind'.

The Massed Bands then played the tunes 'Bharat Ke Shaan', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Drummers Call'. The event came to a close with the ever-popular tune of 'Sare Jahan Se Acha' played by the Buglers, a release stated.

The principal conductor of the ceremony was Squadron Leader Leimapokpam Rupachandra Singh. The Indian Army Band conductor was Subedar Major Prakash Joshi, while M Antony, MCPO MUS II and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar were the conductors of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force bands, respectively. The conductor of the Central Armed Police Forces band was INSP Chetram. The Pipes & Drums band played under the instructions of Subedar SP Chourasia, while the Buglers performed under the leadership of Subedar Manoj Kumar.

This year, the seating enclosures at Vijay Chowk for the ceremony were named after Indian instruments i.e., Bansuri, Damaru, Ektara, Esraj, Mridangam, Nagada, Pakhawaj, Santoor, Sarangi, Sarinda, Sarod, Shehnai, Sitar, Surbahar, Tabla and Veena.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The detail about naming seating enclosures after Indian instruments like Sitar, Tabla, and Veena is a wonderful touch. It's a subtle but powerful way to honor our cultural heritage alongside the military tradition. Well done!
A
Aman W
A truly magnificent spectacle. However, I do wish the ceremony was more accessible to the common public in Delhi. The tickets are so hard to get! Maybe more screens in public parks could be arranged for next year?
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to India, witnessing this ceremony was incredibly moving. The fusion of music, discipline, and patriotism is unique. 'Vande Mataram' played by the massed bands gave me chills. A beautiful way to conclude the celebrations.
V
Vikram M
Heartwarming to see President Murmu presiding over the ceremony. The tunes 'Aye Watan' and 'Veer Sainik' perfectly capture the spirit of sacrifice and love for the nation. Salute to all the conductors and musicians for their flawless performance.
K
Karthik V
The list of tunes is like a playlist of national pride! From 'Kadam Kadam' to 'Jai Ho', each piece tells a story. It's more than just a military display; it's a cultural symphony. Makes me proud to be Indian.

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