Beating Retreat brings the curtains down on Republic Day celebrations

Rains failed to dampen the spirit of the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony as Indian classical tunes played by bands of the armed forces filled the air, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations, held at the historic Vijay Chowk on Sunday (January 29).

'Beating the Retreat' ceremony, which marks the formal end of Republic Day celebrations, began at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi amid slight drizzle. Credit: AFP Photo

President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, arrived for the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony. Credit: AFP Photo

PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also attended the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony in New Delhi. Credit: AFP Photo

29 Captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes were played by music bands of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and teh State Police and the Central Armed Polife Force (CAPF). Credit: AFP Photo

Bands played tunes of 'Aprajey Arjun', 'Charkha', 'Vayu Shakti', 'Swadeshi', 'Ekla Cholo Re', 'hum Taiyyar Hai', and 'Jai Bharati'. Credit: AFP Photo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade arrives to attend the Beating the Retreat ceremony in New Delhi. Credit: AFP Photo

Bands of the Indian military perform during during the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony in New Delhi. Credit: AFP Photo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves towards the crowd as he leaves after attending the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony in New Delhi. Credit: AFP Photo

People wearing raincoats sit to watch the Beating Retreat ceremony, at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

The Indian Defence Ministry, Home Ministry and Presidential Palace buildings are illuminated for the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony in New Delhi. Credit: AFP Photo