Beating Retreat Ceremony- From it’s origin to 2022

The Beating Retreat Ceremony is conducted annually on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, to mark the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.

As the Republic Day Parade is the witness of India’s diversity, military might, the Beating Retreat inspires admiration towards the country’s sovereignty as the massed bands of the military’s three wings – Army, Navy, and Air Force present soul-stirring music.

History of Beating Retreat-

Originally known as ‘Watch Setting‘ that initiated at sunset by a single round fire from the evening gun. Evening guns in military terms, signal the lowering of the flag, thus marking the end of the day.
It dates back to the 17th century, where it was used to recall the patrolling units to the castle, in England.

Beating Retreat in India-

• Beating Retreat in India is the official ending of the Republic Day celebration.
• In India, it began in 1955, by Major Roberts, who indigenously prepared the ceremony.
• It is conducted on the evening of the third day after Republic Day, on 29 January.
• Beating Retreat in India is conducted especially by Section -D of the Ministry of Defence. Section -D is responsible for National functions and ceremonies.
• It is carried by 3 wings of the Indian military- the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Airforce. From 2016 onwards, Central Armed Police and Delhi Police also became part of it.
• The Beating Retreat ceremony is performed near Vijay Chowk, Delhi.
• The band consists of pipes, drums, buglers, and trumpeters from various regiments.
• The ceremony invites the Head of State of a country as the chief guest and that year the Beating Retreat was in their honour.
• The President of India remains the chief guest of the function.
• With military musical instruments like pipes and drums, the addition of traditional Indian musical instruments has been there during the last few years.
• The last tune played before the Retreat when the national flag is lowered, is the famous, ‘Abide With Me’ written by Henry Francis Lyte and music by William Henry Monk. This was Mahatma Gandhi’s among one of the favorite hymns. After remaining part of the ceremony for years, according to a recent announcement, it has been replaced.

New Beating Retreat- 2022 –

• ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ India’s popular tune will replace ‘Abide With Me’. ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ was composed by C. Ramachandra for which Kavi Pradeep provided lyrics, has been included. This patriotic song was sung by legendary playback singer, Lata Mangeshkar Ji.
• All the tunes are Indian to coincide with the 75th year of Independence, according to defense officials’ statements, as per sources.

• It will be the first time in history when 1,000 drones, built by an Indian start-up, will be performing a drone show, and also laser projection in the 73rd Republic Day celebration. Start-up ‘Botlab Dynamics’ has been funded by Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Union Ministry of Science & Technology and led by IIT Delhi alumni.  India will become the fourth in the world, after China, Russia, and the UK, to organize such a large-scale light show with 1,000 drones.