Bangalore: Beating Retreat brings the curtains down on three day celebration of Republic Day every year with a grand spectacle at sunset woven with precision drill by bands, soul stirring music and bout of patriotism. Beating or sounding the retreat in early days of wars and chivalry pulled a halt to the days fighting, warriors returned to their camps and mounted guard in the night. Ever since, this event takes a place of pride in ceremonial military calendar and celebrated with poignant marches backed by vibrant music played by bands. The bands not only play the instruments but go into splendid formations when they performing.

Lending itself to all the intricacies and also choreographies at its best and also to acoustics and elegance of the ceremony are the horses and camels lining the periphery of Vijay Chowk lending so much pomp and pageantry to the occasion. The magic of setting sun and the tunes in sync create hues ranging from orange to pink. Bands in their superb and brilliant uniforms perform with panache which fills the atmosphere with a sense gaiety, pride and patriotism.

Here is all that you need to know about Beating Retreat, a magnificent ceremony steeped in history, celebrated in our country on the third day from the Republic Day,  January 29 of every year at 5PM in the evening.

  Venue, Date and Time:  The splendid Vijay Chowk on Raj Marg in Delhi is all vibrant with this rare display. At sunset of every Year on January 29 for an    our from 5PM to 6PM the square is dotted with elegantly mounted camels and horses.

Arrival of President:  President of India, presides the ceremony as Chief Guest, arrives at the venue with   full escort of President's body guard which is a cavalry unit, slowly driving down the Vijay Chowk. The President’s arrival is sounded by trumpeters, 38 buglers and 38 echo buglers.