The Indian Constitution took effect on January 26, 1950, and since then, Republic Day has been celebrated with great fervor in India. The celebrations come to a ceremonial conclusion with the Beating the Retreat ceremony, which takes place on January 29 every year. The event is presided over by the Indian President, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Beating the Retreat ceremony, which has been a rite of passage for generations, is a demonstration of the retreat from the field of battle.
Beating the Retreat: History and Significance
- The Beating the Retreat ceremony has a rich history that dates back to 1690 when drums were ordered to beat a retreat at night to signal the soldiers to lower their weapons and retreat for the day. This practice of beating the drums was seen as a demonstration of the retreat from the field of battle, and the flags were lowered at the first blast of the buglers and trumpets.
- The Beating the Retreat ceremony is believed to have come to India in the early 1950s when the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip made their first trip to India following the country’s independence. The ceremony has since become an integral part of the Republic Day celebrations and has been a daily practice since 1959.
Beating the Retreat 2023: Celebrations and Highlights
- This year’s Beating the Retreat ceremony promises to be a visual treat for those in attendance. According to the media, the ceremony will feature the biggest drone display in the nation, with 3,500 indigenous drones lighting up the night sky over Raisina Hill. Additionally, a 3D anamorphic projection will be set up on both the North Block and the South Block during the ceremony.
- To make the process of booking tickets for tourists from all over the world easier, the Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a mobile app. The app, developed by BSF Punjab Frontier, allows visitors to book their seats with their mobile phones and contains basic information like timings of the retreat ceremony, a link to the location of the event, and nearby tourist places.
- The retreat ceremony parade at the Attari-Wagah border joint check post (JCP) between India and Pakistan in Amritsar is also a popular attraction, and the BSF has launched a website for visitors to book their seats at the stadium arena. The website ensures security at the venue and convenience for the audience. In course of time, only those who have booked their seats through the website or the app will be allowed to visit the stadium/arena at JCP Attari.
- The retreat ceremony begins at 3.30 pm and around 20,000 people watch it every day. The ceremony has been a daily practice since 1959 and is a fitting conclusion to the Republic Day celebrations.
Synopsis
The Beating the Retreat ceremony is a demonstration of India’s rich history and cultural heritage. The event, which is a commemoration of India’s Constitution, is an opportunity for the nation to come together and celebrate the country’s progress and achievements. With the biggest drone display in the nation, a 3D anamorphic projection, and a mobile app for ease of booking, this year’s Beating the Retreat ceremony promises to be a visual treat for those in attendance.
