By Afiur
January 29, 2026
Every year on January 29, the Republic Day celebrations end with the Beating Retreat ceremony.
Organised by the Indian Army at Vijay Chowk, it is attended by the top leadership, including the President.
‘Beating Retreat’ literally means soldiers laying down arms for the day as flags are lowered.
The ceremony began in 1690, signalling troop withdrawal and sunset’s end of battle.
In India, it was introduced in the 1950s, turning a military signal into a national ritual.
Jawaharlal Nehru approved the idea and since then, it has been an inseparable part of Republic Day observances.
Bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPFs perform patriotic and Indian compositions.
The ceremony reflects discipline, unity, tradition and the cultural side of India’s armed forces.
As lights dim and ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’ plays, it signals the formal closure of Republic Day celebrations.
This recurring event has been the norm for more than 70 years as a symbol of strength and harmony.