The Beating Retreat: Grandeur of Vijay Chowk returns as Rashtrapati Bhawan lights up again amid sounds of Shehnai

Advertisement
The Beating Retreat: Grandeur of Vijay Chowk returns as Rashtrapati Bhawan lights up again amid sounds of ShehnaiDrums as loud as thunderclaps and then as soft as psalms, the sounds of the shehnai matching tunes with that of bagpipes are being heard at Vijay Chowk, as this beautiful entry to the Raj Bhawan readies itself for the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk today.
Advertisement

For years, the celebrations of Republic Day comes to a close with this grand ceremony. In earlier times, it was sounded by the buglers as a signal to soldiers engaged in battle to cease their fighting, sheath their weapons and “retreat” from the battlefield. The bugle was also used in military towns to recall soldiers to their quarters in the evenings.

It has since been celebrated every year with the Army, Navy and Air-Force joining hands to come out together and put up a lavish show for audiences. They stand smartly side by side, waiting to welcome the President as bejewelled camels take their positions atop the ramparts of the South and North blocks. The distant sound of horses' hooves starts getting louder and the President's entourage, including 46 bodyguards mounted on beautiful brown and white horses, arrives. The President takes the place in front of the defence chiefs. The singing of the National Anthem and the unfurling of the Tricolour signals the start of a spectacle.

There are a spate of performances that follow we shall not reveal till you watch it yourself. The best part, however, is when the North and South blocks light up with yellow light, providing a fitting ending to the grandeur associated with Republic Day.

If you have never witnessed the Beating Retreat Ceremony, here’s a glimpse into the show held last year.<
WHAT’S IN STORE THIS TIME?
Advertisement


This year, 15 Military Bands, 18 Pipes and Drums Bands from Regimental Centres and Battalions are participating in the ceremony. Besides one each of Indian Navy and Indian Air Force band will also form part of the event and for the first time, bands from the State Police and Central Armed Police Force will also perform at the ceremony.

Delhi Traffic Police has made elaborate arrangements keeping the ceremony in mind. According to an advisory. Vijay Chowk will remain closed today for general traffic from 3.30 to 9.30 PM. The traffic will not be allowed on the stretches on Rafi Marg and Raisina Road and the entry and exit at Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat Metro Stations on Delhi Metro's Yellow Line will remain closed from 2 PM to 6.30 PM.

Services on all other lines will be available as per normal schedule throughout the day.