Beating Retreat Ceremony 2025: A Grand Musical Finale to Republic Day Celebrations

The ceremony at Vijay Chowk featured 30 Indian tunes performed by military bands, with President Murmu and other dignitaries in attendance.

New Delhi, January 29: The grand Beating Retreat ceremony marked the culmination of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, filling Vijay Chowk with the mesmerizing sounds of Indian military tunes. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a setting sun over Raisina Hills, the event featured 30 foot-tapping Indian compositions performed by the bands of the Indian Army (IA), Indian Navy (IN), Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh graced the event, witnessing the spectacular display of India’s musical and military heritage.

A Melodic Celebration of India’s Legacy

The ceremony commenced with the massed band’s rendition of ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’, setting the stage for an evening of musical grandeur. The event was conducted under the leadership of Commander Manoj Sebastian, the principal conductor of the ceremony.

President Murmu led the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, at Kartavya Path, with a special focus on 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment and the spirit of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (public participation). The celebrations showcased India’s unity, diversity, military strength, and developmental progress.

Special Guests and National Participation

This year, the government invited 10,000 Special Guests from diverse fields to witness the Republic Day Parade, reinforcing the vision of inclusive national celebrations. These distinguished guests, recognized for their contributions to various sectors and their effective utilization of government initiatives, were hailed as the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’ (Golden India).

A Symbol of Tradition and Patriotism

The Beating Retreat Ceremony continues to be a poignant reminder of India’s rich cultural and military traditions, marking the official close of Republic Day festivities. As the final note of the ceremony echoed across Vijay Chowk, the nation stood united in pride, celebrating its journey of progress, unity, and resilience.