The grand finale of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations concluded with a spectacular Beating Retreat ceremony, featuring a special tribute to Operation Sindoor through mesmerizing military band performances and innovative light displays.

The historic Vijay Chowk came alive as military personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces delivered stirring renditions of patriotic compositions, including the soul-stirring ‘Vande Mataram’ and the iconic ‘Jai Ho.’

Innovative Display and Special Formations

This year’s ceremony featured groundbreaking elements, including performers in illuminated attire and digital LED panels mounted on instruments. The band members created special formations depicting Operation Sindoor and paying homage to the recently decommissioned MiG-21 fighters.

Distinguished Attendance

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremony, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and other high-ranking officials including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and CJI Surya Kant. The service chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff were also present at the event.

Cultural Integration

In a unique tribute to India’s rich musical heritage, all spectator seating areas were named after traditional Indian instruments such as the flute, tabla, sitar, veena, shehnai, mridangam, sarod, and santoor.

Musical Highlights

The ceremony opened with the spirited ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ by the Massed Band. Each service branch contributed distinctive performances, with the Air Force band presenting ‘Brave Warrior’ and ‘Flying Star,’ while the Navy showcased ‘Sagar Pawan’ and ‘Matrubhoomi.’ The Army band captivated audiences with ‘Vijayi Bharat’ and ‘Sugamya Bharat.’

Grand Finale

Under the leadership of Squadron Leader Lamapokpam Roopchand Singh as chief conductor, the ceremony concluded with the traditional rendition of ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ by the buglers. The evening culminated in a breathtaking illumination of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and Parliament buildings.

The lowering of the national flag and the playing of the National Anthem marked the official conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations, leaving spectators with memories of an unforgettable musical tribute to India’s military prowess and cultural heritage.