The Republic Day parade with its kitschy floats and military hardware is, for some, just a teaser. The real treat comes three days later, when India's military bands take to Vijay Chowk and perform in front of the beautifully lit-up buildings of Raisina Hill. This is what pomp and circumstance looks like, and it is a wonderful sight.
The ceremony officially marks the close of Republic Day festivities, marking the foundation of the Indian Republic and the adoption of our constitution. It began in the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army came up with the idea of having the bands of each wing of the military perform together. Beating Retreat ceremonies themselves have a much older heritage, drawing back to the time when troops would return to their camps for the day.
According to the official government release, this year's ceremony featured 15 military bands, 18 pipes and drums bands from regimental centres and battalions. Each one turned up resplendent in their unique uniforms, playing everything from Sare Jahan Se Acha to Abide with Me and Marching Through Georgia. This year also featured the addition of traditional Indian instruments, including the tabla, sitar and santoor, alongside more traditional army band staples.
It all culminates in the lighting of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament House, a sight that always manage to inspire awe.
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