New Delhi | January 29, 2026: Patriotic melodies echoed across Raisina Hill on Thursday evening as the Beating Retreat ceremony brought the Republic Day celebrations to a dignified close in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. The annual event unfolded against the iconic backdrop of North and South Block, creating an atmosphere filled with national pride and ceremonial grandeur.
The ceremony held special significance this year as it coincided with the completion of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, a song deeply woven into India’s freedom movement and national identity. Tunes such as ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’, ‘Vijay Bharat’, and other stirring compositions filled the air, drawing applause from the audience gathered at Raisina Hill.
President Murmu arrived at the venue in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the sound of bugles, lending a timeless grace to the occasion. She was joined by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with several other senior dignitaries.
The ceremony began with marching bands moving down Raisina Hill while playing ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’, instantly setting a patriotic tone. This was followed by a visually striking performance by a piped band, which played a medley while forming symbolic patterns that represented key national milestones, including the 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, and the Amar Jawan Jyoti that honours the nation’s fallen soldiers.
A Central Armed Police Forces band later performed ‘Vijay Bharat’, a composition celebrating India’s cultural richness, resilience, and growing global stature. The performance reflected the spirit of a nation confident in its heritage and forward-looking in its ambitions.
Large screens installed around the venue broadcast live visuals of the ceremony and displayed thematic imagery linked to ‘Vande Mataram’, the Gaganyaan mission, and Amar Jawan Jyoti, allowing the audience to engage closely with the performances.
The Beating Retreat ceremony traditionally marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations, and this year’s event upheld that legacy with elegance and precision. As dusk settled over Raisina Hill, the blend of music, military discipline, and symbolism offered a powerful reminder of India’s journey, its sacrifices, and its aspirations for the future.