After the Republic Day Celebrations on 26th January, there is another celebration on 29th January, called the ‘Beating of the Retreat’. It is treated as the end of the Republic Day celebrations.
I went to see the Retreat along with my wife. The arrangement for the ceremony was in Vijay Chowk, in front of the South and North Blocks and well in front of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Many thousands of people were there to see the function. The President, sat in a Chair with the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Airforce nearby. The bands of the three forces in shining colours and accurate movements marched in harmony with the tunes played by them.
After the bands retreated, the National Flag was taken down and the President returned to Rashtrapati Bhavan in the Presidential Chariot drawn by many horses.
For more than one hour, it was a wonderful show.
The Beating Retreat is a part of the tradition taken from the British Rulers. It was a system started in the 16th century by the British in their own country. As in many other system, this was introduced in India. India continues the tradition.
Whatever be the basis or justification, people enjoy the scene, especially the children who were there in large numbers. They cheered and clapped hands whenever the show became very interesting.