New Delhi, January 29, 2025
The Beating Retreat ceremony is underway at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other Union Ministers are present on the occasion.
As the golden hues of the setting sun bathed Raisina Hills, the majestic Vijay Chowk transformed into a mesmerizing symphony of Indian melodies, marking the grand conclusion of the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The Beating Retreat ceremony, a tradition that resonates with the soul of the nation, once again captivated the audience with its enthralling musical extravaganza.
With the nation’s top dignitaries—President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other Union Ministers—gracing the event, the atmosphere was charged with patriotic fervor. Senior officers, distinguished guests, and enthusiastic citizens stood witness to a spectacle that seamlessly blended tradition, discipline, and musical brilliance.
A Soul-Stirring Musical Journey
This year’s Beating Retreat featured an awe-inspiring selection of 30 powerful Indian compositions, performed by the bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The evening commenced with the rousing beats of “Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja” by the Mass Band, setting the tone for an evening of musical splendor.
The Pipes and Drums Band took the stage next, weaving magic through tunes like “Amar Bharti,” “Indradhanush,” “Jai Janam Bhoomi,” “Nati in Himalayan Valley,” “Ganga Jamuna,” and “Veer Siachen.” These melodies, rooted in the diverse musical heritage of India, evoked a deep sense of national pride.
The CAPF Band followed suit, delivering dynamic renditions of “Vijay Bharat,” “Rajasthan Troops,” “Ae Watan Tere Liye,” and “Bharat Ke Jawan.” Each note echoed the valiant spirit of India’s armed forces, saluting their undying courage.
The Indian Air Force Band enthralled the audience with “Galaxy Rider,” “Stride,” “Rubaru,” and “Millennium Flight Fantasy,” while the Navy Band added its signature nautical essence with compositions like “Rashtriya Pratham,” “Nishak Nishpad,” “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” “Spread the Light of Freedom,” “Rhythm of the Reef,” and “Jai Bharti.”
Not to be outdone, the Army Band showcased an electrifying performance with “Veer Saput,” “Takta Watan,” “Mera Yuva Bharat,” “Dhruva,” and “Faulad Ka Jigar.” Their music resonated with a deep sense of valor and determination, embodying the strength of India’s forces.
As the evening approached its grand finale, the Mass Bands brought together the nation in harmony with moving performances of “Priyam Bharatam,” “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo,” and “Drummers Call.” And then, in a moment of sheer nostalgia and pride, the timeless classic “Saare Jahan Se Achcha” rang through the air, played by the buglers, sealing the event with an emotion that words could scarcely capture.
Masters Behind the Melodies
The evening’s seamless orchestration was led by Principal Conductor Manoj Sebastian, ensuring each note struck a chord with the audience. The Army Band was directed by Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bishan Bahadur, while the Navy and Air Force Bands were conducted by MCPO MUS II M. Antony and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, respectively.
Adding to the grandeur, the Pipes and Drums Band played under the adept leadership of Subedar Major Abhilash Singh, while the buglers, whose calls echoed through the night sky, performed under the command of Naib Subedar Bhupal Singh.
A Tribute Etched in Time
More than just a ceremonial event, the Beating Retreat 2025 was a profound tribute to the rich musical legacy of India’s armed forces. It was a night where patriotism found its voice in the rhythm of the drums, the melody of the pipes, and the harmony of the brass. As the final notes of “Saare Jahan Se Achcha” faded into the crisp night air, one thing was certain—this was not just a musical evening but a moment of unity, pride, and an unbreakable bond with the motherland.
With hearts swelling with patriotism and spirits lifted by the music, the audience departed with memories of an evening where music spoke louder than words—an evening where India’s strength, tradition, and harmony found their purest expression through sound.
