India's armed forces put on a glorious show for the President — inspired by a 17th century British tradition

The ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony is celebrated every year on 29 January to mark the closure of Republic Day celebration.

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The ceremony in India dates back to 1950s, but has its roots in a centuries-old tradition when soldiers withdrew from the battlefield and came back to their camps.

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Major Roberts from Indian Army introduced this distinct ceremony where all the three forces assembled to celebrate the day with band performances.

‘Beating the Retreat’ has evolved as an event of national pride. All the three military wings — The Indian Air Force, The Indian Army, and The India Navy participate in the ceremony and display band performances. They also play hymns and showcase marches in a patriotic fervor.

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The ceremony starts with the arrival of the President of India. This year, the ceremony was attended by Ram Nath Kovind along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government dignitaries

After the ceremony, the President sends defense forces — who visited the capital to celebrate Republic Day — back to their barracks.

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The Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's Secretariat) is lit up in tricolor.