Drums of Destiny: Beating Retreat’s Patriotic Fire
President-led finale lights up India's soul.
Drums of Destiny: Beating Retreat’s Patriotic Fire. The Beating Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk (formerly Rajpath) in New Delhi is a time-honored military tradition that signals the end of India’s Republic Day celebrations. Held annually on January 29, it showcases the precision and heritage of the armed forces through music and drills.
President Droupadi Murmu, supreme commander, arrived at Vijay Chowk in a ceremonial buggy escorted by the President’s Bodyguard. The tri-services—Army, Navy, Air Force—stood in perfect formation, presenting a crisp national salute as the Tricolour unfurled to the anthem. Her dignified return salute symbolized unity, honouring India’s valiant forces and stirring national pride in the 2026 Beating Retreat finale.
By -Dr. Namrata Mishra Tiwari, Chief Editor http://indiainput.com
Rooted in global traditions but adapted post-Independence, it honors the Republic’s sovereignty rather than monarchy, evoking national pride and commitment to justice, liberty, and equality. President Droupadi Murmu’s return salute at the 2026 ceremony reinforced this bond of mutual respect and heritage.
Chief Guests: António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen
The Republic Day Parade 2026 welcomed two prominent European leaders as chief guests: António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
This marked a historic first for India, inviting dual heads of EU institutions together at Kartavya Path on January 26. Their presence highlighted strengthening India-EU ties in trade, technology, climate action, and strategic partnerships amid global shifts.
Event Context
Seated beside President Droupadi Murmu, they witnessed tri-services marches, tableaux on Operation Sindoor and Vande Mataram’s 150th year, and an IAF flypast—reinforcing Europe’s role in India’s vision of self-reliance and global cooperation.
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The Air Force Band was exceptional at the Beating Retreat 2026.
They performed ‘Brave Warrior’, ‘Twilight’, ‘Alert (Post Horn Gallop)’ and ‘Flying Star’ impeccably.
The Sindoor formation was brilliant! pic.twitter.com/Hd06aeVZMg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026
Ceremony Overview
This grand event takes place at Vijay Chowk, between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, presided over by the President as the supreme commander. Bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) perform patriotic tunes in perfect synchronization.
The ceremony begins with the President’s arrival, a national salute, and the anthem, followed by musical displays and concludes with the flag-lowering and retreat signal.
Simply outstanding!
The Naval Band’s performances included ‘Namaste’, ‘Sagar Pawan’, ‘Matribhumi’, ‘Tejasvi’ and ‘Jai Bharati.’
The Matsya Yantra formation was flawless. pic.twitter.com/YhUookytrg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026
Historical Significance
Originating from 17th-century British military practice to recall troops at sunset, India adopted it in the 1950s during Queen Elizabeth’s visit. It symbolizes the armed forces’ disciplined withdrawal from duty, evoking national pride, unity, and respect for sacrifices. The event reinforces India’s military heritage while blending tradition with contemporary patriotism, drawing leaders like PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
At a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, this rendition at the Beating Retreat 2026 by our armed forces is particularly special. pic.twitter.com/O2GeBQw9lA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026
Musical Inventory
The 2026 lineup featured an extensive repertoire of Indian-inspired tunes. Massed Bands opened with “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja,” Pipes and Drums played “Atulya Bharat,” “Veer Sainik,” and more; CAPF bands performed “Vijay Bharat,” “Jai Ho”; Air Force tunes included “Brave Warrior,” “Flying Star”; Navy hits were “Namaste,” “Jai Bharati”; Army renditions covered “Aarambh Hai Prachand Hai,” “Anand Math,” “Aye Watan.” It closed with “Vande Mataram,” “Sare Jahan Se Acha” by buglers.
New Additions in 2026
A fresh cultural highlight named seating enclosures after traditional instruments like Sitar, Tabla, Shehnai, Bansuri, Santoor, and Veena, immersing attendees in India’s musical legacy. Formations honored recent milestones, such as Operation Sindoor and the Indian women’s cricket World Cup victory, alongside 75 years of “Vande Mataram.” These innovations fused classical elements with military pomp, earning enthusiastic applause.
SOURCE : http://pib.gov.in
