Vijay Chowk reverberates with Indian tunes during Beating Retreat ceremony

NEW DELHI: The iconic Vijay Chowk reverberated with captivating Indian tunes on Thursday as the Beating Retreat ceremony marked the culmination of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony began with the massed band’s ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’.

The bands of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force and the Central Armed Police Forces played foot-tapping melodies. People cheered and applauded the synchronised marches as soldiers formed various shapes, some drawn from Indian traditions.

Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. Watch! https://t.co/wIZt8MJnM4

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 29, 2026

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived for the ceremony. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other Union Ministers were among those present.

#WATCH | The Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk showcases the strength of India’s rich military heritage.@rashtrapatibhvn @MIB_India #BeatingRetreat pic.twitter.com/vhfLMiGJBZ

— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 29, 2026

PM Modi earlier said that the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony reflects the “strength of India’s rich military heritage”. He said that the ceremony showcases the traditions, discipline and valour of the Indian armed forces, who remain steadfast in safeguarding the nation.

“This evening, the Beating Retreat ceremony will be held. It symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. In it, the strength of India’s rich military heritage will be displayed. We are extremely proud of our armed forces who are dedicated to the defence of the country. Eko bahunamsi manya edita visham visham yuddhaya san shishaadhi,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony traces its origins to military traditions and features massed bands of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force performing patriotic and classical tunes, creating a solemn and stirring atmosphere. (ANI)