New Delhi: Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023 will be held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, on January 29 like every year. The ceremony held under the presence of President Droupadi Murmu will mark the conclusion of the 74th Republic Day celebrations. The Beating Retreat Ceremony will showcase 29 tunes based on Classical Ragas and some other melodies with cultural and historical value.
Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023
The 2023 ceremony will witness the biggest drone show, comprising 3,500 indigenous drones. The drones will light up the night sky over Raisina Hill. According to reports, a 3D anamorphic projection will also be set up on both the North Block and the South Block during the Beating Retreat.
Beating Retreat Ceremony: History and Importance
Beating the retreat has been part of soldiers’ customs for a long time now. As per the recorded history, it dates back to 18 June 1690, according to the Royal Irish Virtual Military Gallery. Beating a retreat was a sign that the soldiers have to put their weapons down and retreat from the battlefield after dusk.
The ceremony entered India with the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip’s first trip to the country after independence.
The Republic Day celebrations are concluded with the Beating Retreat ceremony every year. The Indian President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presides over the ceremony. The flags are lowered after dusk and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and Parliament House are silhouetted with lights.
When and where to watch?
While the public is allowed to visit and watch the Beating Retreat with advance booking of the tickets, the ceremony will be telecast by Doordarshan. The Beating Retreat will also be streaming on Doordarshan’s YouTube channel.
