Beating the Retreat ceremony, which marks the culmination of Republic Day celebrations, took place at the Vijay Chowk here on Wednesday, 14 military bands performed with tradition grandeur. Interestingly, 'Abide With Me' also played in the ceremony which was decided to remove from the track list in January month to push for Indian tunes. It is believed that true meaning of the hymn- Abide With Me is appreciated in the context of Martyr's Day and its place in ceremony needs to be cemented while 'Vande Matram' was dropped despite being on the playlist until few days ago.
The 19th century English hymn was written by Scottish poet Henry Francis Lyte and composed by William Henry Monk. It traditionally concludes the annual 45-minute performance.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence General Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs and several other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
The brass bands of forces with instruments like the trumpet, the clarinet, the trombone, the saxophone, the flute and the cymbals, apart from the bugle and the drums, performed various western and Indian marches and hymns. A Similarly, the pipe bands, playing the bagpipes, the single tenor drums, the bass drum, the highland snare drums, performed in complete synergy.
Martial music, which once comprised of only Western items, has over the years been successful in introducing Indian tunes to its list.
The Indian Air Force band performed 'Air Force Colour' composed by MWO J.A. George, 'Inspirato' composed by Wing Commander G. Jayachandran, 'Sarang' composed by Flying Officer Rupachandra and 'Subroto', dedicated to former force chief Subroto Mukherjee, again composed by George.
The Indian Naval Band performed Samundra Manthan, composed by Commander J. Rodrigues, 'Sagar Prahari Bal' composed by Mohan Chetry and Jai Bharti again composed by Rodrigues.
While the IAF band enthralled the crowd with forming a fighter jet in centre of Vijay Chowk, the Navy formed a sailing boat ensign.
The Indian Army band performed Shanti Pathand Vijay Stambh, both composed by Major Vimal Joshi, and 'Bharat Mahan' composed by Major Ashok Kumar.
The massed bands performed quick march 'General Tappy', dedicated to late army chief, Gen T.N. Raina, composed by Subedar L.B. Gurung. As always, the traditional 'Drummers Call', featuring massed drummers.