A personal reflection on Republic Day’s uniqueness and my first Beating Retreat
Republic Day celebrations in Delhi are known for their distinct majesty, something that cannot be captured fully in photographs or in televised frames. On that day ,Kartavya Path becomes a living corridor of national pride, where India walks forward in step with history, strength and culture.
And so when I got an opportunity to witness this year’s 77th Republic Day celebrations in Delhi I was very excited.
What made this year special was not only the scale of the celebrations, but the uniqueness of its spirit a perfect blend of heritage, strength, culture and the rising power of Nari Shakti.
The arrival of Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble Vice President C.P.Radhakrishnan and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi added solemn dignity to the celebrations. The presence of global leaders, President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen made it more meaningful as they witnessed the strength of Indian democracy and the warmth of India’s civilisational diplomacy.
The Investiture Ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla, was a moment of pride and reverence.
Equally inspiring were the thrilling acrobatics on motorcycles, performed by the women of the forces. Their balance, confidence and fearless precision were not just entertainment but a message that India’s daughters are not merely participants in the nation’s progress they are team mates in it's driving force.
The parade also showcased the breathtaking beauty of the tableaux each one a moving story, a cultural signature, a proud identity of a state. And for me, there was a special surge of pride in witnessing Maharashtra’s tableau, centred on our benevolent Shri Ganesh the remover of obstacles, the symbol of auspicious beginnings. It felt as though Maharashtra had brought not just artistry, but blessings to Kartavya Path.
Alongside culture, there was also a powerful reflection of India’s growing capability military strength, discipline, and modern preparedness presented with dignity and confidence.
If pride had a visual expression, it would be that extraordinary moment when the skies opened in celebration. The four Mi-17 1V helicopters, flying in Dhwaj formation, showered flowers over Kartavya Path. It was a gentle contrast, military aircraft, symbols of strength, delivering not force but flowers. And that, perhaps, is India in its truest spirit: power with compassion, strength with grace.
The Tri-services tableau, featuring replicas of weapon systems associated with Operation Sindoor including BrahMos, Akash, and the S-400 air defence system was a reminder that peace is not accidental; it is protected.
The DRDO’s advanced hypersonic glide missile (LR-AShM) displayed India’s expanding scientific ambition, while the Navy’s tableau highlighting the mighty INS Vikrant spoke of maritime pride and strategic readiness.
The fly-past, with formations like Vajraang and Vijay, featuring aircraft including Rafale, Su-30 MKI and MiG-29, drew every eye upward. In those roaring engines, one could hear not noise but reassurance.
Yet, amid the power and precision, it was art that made the day truly complete. The performance by 2500 artists curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi on “Vande Mataram” was a reminder that India’s greatest strength lies not only in her weapons, but in her soul.
There are moments when a song becomes more than melody it becomes identity so as Vande Mataram rose in chorus, one could feel the collective heartbeat of a nation.
The Republic Day parade reminded us once again: India is ancient in soul, modern in strength, and united in spirit.
But this year, what stayed with me the most was not only the grandeur of the parade on the 26th January. It was what came after what the Republic saves for its final chapter, the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
If Republic Day morning is a proclamation bold, bright and resounding then the evening of 29th January is something far deeper. It is not a spectacle alone. It is a salute, a thanksgiving, and a closing prayer offered by the nation to those who guard it.
This was the first time I experienced Beating Retreat in person, and I can say without hesitation: it is one of the most stirring national ceremonies one can witness.
As the evening descended, Vijay Chowk transformed. The illuminated grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block and South Block formed a breathtaking backdrop almost as if history itself was standing at attention.
The Beating Retreat Ceremony held at Vijay Chowk is unlike any other event where the solemnity of tradition is combined with the beauty of music. It originated in the 17th century England as a signal for soldiers to return to their fort at sunset, drums beating to call them back from patrol, the evening gun marking the close of the day.
In India, this ceremony took a uniquely dignified form in the 1950s, introduced after Independence as a ceremonial tradition. Conceived by Major G.A. Roberts of the Grenadiers Regiment, it evolved into a signature event of national life, an evening where the Republic bids farewell to its celebrations, and turns inward to reflection.
As the Massed Bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPF marched in synchrony, tunes flowed some familiar, some stirring, all deeply moving. There was a rhythm in their steps, a unity in their formations, and an unmistakable message: our freedom is guarded every day, often quietly, always faithfully.
The atmosphere changed. It became quieter. More reverent and powerful. Music with Military Precision.
Yet, amid the power and precision, it was art that made the day truly complete. The performance by 2500 artists curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi on “Vande Mataram” was a reminder that India’s greatest strength lies not only in her weapons, but in her soul.
There are moments when a song becomes more than melody it becomes identity so as Vande Mataram rose in chorus, one could feel the collective heartbeat of a nation.
The Republic Day parade reminded us once again: India is ancient in soul, modern in strength, and united in spirit.
But this year, what stayed with me the most was not only the grandeur of the parade on the 26th January. It was what came after what the Republic saves for its final chapter, the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
If Republic Day morning is a proclamation bold, bright and resounding then the evening of 29th January is something far deeper. It is not a spectacle alone. It is a salute, a thanksgiving, and a closing prayer offered by the nation to those who guard it.
This was the first time I experienced Beating Retreat in person, and I can say without hesitation: it is one of the most stirring national ceremonies one can witness.
As the evening descended, Vijay Chowk transformed. The illuminated grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block and South Block formed a breathtaking backdrop almost as if history itself was standing at attention.
The Beating Retreat Ceremony held at Vijay Chowk is unlike any other event where the solemnity of tradition is combined with the beauty of music. It originated in the 17th century England as a signal for soldiers to return to their fort at sunset, drums beating to call them back from patrol, the evening gun marking the close of the day.
In India, this ceremony took a uniquely dignified form in the 1950s, introduced after Independence as a ceremonial tradition. Conceived by Major G.A. Roberts of the Grenadiers Regiment, it evolved into a signature event of national life, an evening where the Republic bids farewell to its celebrations, and turns inward to reflection.
As the Massed Bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPF marched in synchrony, tunes flowed some familiar, some stirring, all deeply moving. There was a rhythm in their steps, a unity in their formations, and an unmistakable message: our freedom is guarded every day, often quietly, always faithfully.
The atmosphere changed. It became quieter. More reverent and powerful. Music with Military Precision.
When the Massed Bands began marching, I felt something I had not expected. It was awe not just because of the grandeur of the setting, or the sheer number of performers but because every movement carried the unmistakable imprint of training, focus and purpose. Each step landed as if it had been rehearsed not for weeks, but for years. Every formation was exact measured, symmetrical, almost mathematical in perfection.
It was precision that felt sacred. Every movement, every turn, every formation carried the unmistakable stamp of discipline.
And in that discipline was a lesson: this is how the nation is protected through training, coordination, alertness, and unwavering commitment.
For the first time, I could see the greatness of our Defence Forces in a way beyond uniforms and ceremonies.
The evening was musical, but their precision reflected dedication to the cause of safeguarding our nation, silently and steadfastly.
It was precision that felt sacred. Every movement, every turn, every formation carried the unmistakable stamp of discipline.
And in that discipline was a lesson: this is how the nation is protected through training, coordination, alertness, and unwavering commitment.
For the first time, I could see the greatness of our Defence Forces in a way beyond uniforms and ceremonies.
The evening was musical, but their precision reflected dedication to the cause of safeguarding our nation, silently and steadfastly.
Beating Retreat 2026 also carried themes that resonated strongly with the over-arching theme of 150 years of Vande Mataram and the rising spirit of Nari Shakti. It celebrated not only tradition but contemporary India confident, prepared, and inclusive.
The formations were breathtaking Garuda Vyuha, tributes to Operation Sindoor, and other displays that blended heritage with modern military identity. There was a clear message that India honours her past, protects her present, and prepares for her future. The evening began with the iconic march ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ followed by The Pipes and Drums featuring a range of patriotic compositions which were mesmerising.
The Indian Air Force, Navy and Army bands, CAPF then took turns to enthral the audience with powerful and inspiring tunes and stirring renditions of ‘Vijayee Bharat’, ‘Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai’ and ‘Aye Watan, Aye Watan’.
In the finale, the Massed Bands played ‘Bharat Ke Shaan’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. The ceremony concluded with the timeless patriotic tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’, performed by the Buglers.
However it was Vande Mataram which evoked deep-rooted emotions of love and respect for the motherland.
Then came the moment which I shall always remember, the sunset bugle call, the lowering of flags and the slow, dignified conclusion with the Hon’ble President riding back.
In those few minutes, the crowd was silent with emotion as if the nation was pausing to express gratitude.
I understood, perhaps for the first time, that the greatest strength of a nation is not only in its missiles or its marching columns or its mighty machines. It is in the discipline of its defenders, in the precision of their steps, in the silence of their sacrifice and in the music they offer to the nation before returning to guard it again.
The Republic Day celebrations ended but the clocks continued to chime because while we sleep, the forces stand steadfastly. The celebrations on Kartavya Path were like the sunrise while the Beating Retreat was like an evening prayer at Vijay Chowk.Not ending but echoing glories of our nation.
The formations were breathtaking Garuda Vyuha, tributes to Operation Sindoor, and other displays that blended heritage with modern military identity. There was a clear message that India honours her past, protects her present, and prepares for her future. The evening began with the iconic march ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ followed by The Pipes and Drums featuring a range of patriotic compositions which were mesmerising.
The Indian Air Force, Navy and Army bands, CAPF then took turns to enthral the audience with powerful and inspiring tunes and stirring renditions of ‘Vijayee Bharat’, ‘Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai’ and ‘Aye Watan, Aye Watan’.
In the finale, the Massed Bands played ‘Bharat Ke Shaan’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. The ceremony concluded with the timeless patriotic tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’, performed by the Buglers.
However it was Vande Mataram which evoked deep-rooted emotions of love and respect for the motherland.
Then came the moment which I shall always remember, the sunset bugle call, the lowering of flags and the slow, dignified conclusion with the Hon’ble President riding back.
In those few minutes, the crowd was silent with emotion as if the nation was pausing to express gratitude.
I understood, perhaps for the first time, that the greatest strength of a nation is not only in its missiles or its marching columns or its mighty machines. It is in the discipline of its defenders, in the precision of their steps, in the silence of their sacrifice and in the music they offer to the nation before returning to guard it again.
The Republic Day celebrations ended but the clocks continued to chime because while we sleep, the forces stand steadfastly. The celebrations on Kartavya Path were like the sunrise while the Beating Retreat was like an evening prayer at Vijay Chowk.Not ending but echoing glories of our nation.
R.Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner & Secretary,
Government of Maharashtra &
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
No comments:
Post a Comment