The Beating Retreat ceremony will take place on Thursday evening at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. The event will formally conclude this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Organisers hold the ceremony every year on January 29. It marks the ceremonial finale to the national festivities through a display of military precision and musical grandeur.
President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will preside over the ceremony. Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior officials and members of the public will attend the event.
Prime Minister Modi described the Beating Retreat as a proud reflection of India’s rich military heritage. In a message shared on social media, he said the ceremony symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. He added that it showcases the strength, discipline and dedication of the nation’s armed forces.
आज शाम बीटिंग रिट्रीट का आयोजन होगा। यह गणतंत्र दिवस समारोहों के समापन का प्रतीक है। इसमें भारत की समृद्ध सैन्य विरासत की शक्ति दिखाई देगी। देश की रक्षा में समर्पित अपने सशस्त्र बलों पर हमें अत्यंत गर्व है।
एको बहूनामसि मन्य ईडिता विशं विशं युद्धाय सं शिशाधि।
अकृत्तरुक्त्वया… pic.twitter.com/HtoYOI5VfK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of the tradition. He called the ceremony a dignified event that reflects unity, national pride and the timeless ethos of India’s defence services.
The ceremony will feature performances by massed bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces. Together, the bands will present an evening of coordinated musical displays.
The programme will begin with the stirring march Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja. It will conclude with the iconic Sare Jahan Se Acha, symbolising unity and national spirit.
First organised in the 1950s, the Beating Retreat has evolved into a cherished national tradition. Over the years, it has blended colonial-era military customs with India’s rich musical heritage.
This year, organisers have added a distinct cultural touch to the event. They have named seating enclosures after classical Indian musical instruments to celebrate the country’s artistic diversity.
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