It was an exciting evening at vijay chowk on the 27th jan 2008. The representation of indian pride and honor for the flag, for its president and the nation, by the gaurdian forces. Almost a mesmirising experience.
Though it was a full dress rehersal, it wasnt less in its charm and scrupulousness. You have to admire the discipline and accuracy with which each part of the ceremony is performed. The National Anthem sung with preciseness of 52 secs....awesome indeed.
My curosity about the beating retreat forced me to google a bit about it and here is what I found out.
Orginally, it was a signal for 'watch setting' at sunset and was done by firing a single round by the evening gun. Later James II of England and William III, ordered the troops perform a ceremonial beating of drums by the drummers of the Regiment through a large street, for his troops to retreat to the barracks. They are to be answered by all the Drummers of the guards, and by four Drummers of each Regiment in their respective Quarters. This was also the ceremonial military tattoo, which meant ceremonial drum performance.
In India it officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities. It is conducted on the evening of January 29, the third day after the Republic Day. It marks the impeccable performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
The venue is Raisina Hills and an adjacent square, flanked by the north and south block of the Indian Parliament. The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives escorted by the 'President's Body Guards' (PBG), a cavalry unit. An interesting fact of about the commander of this calvary unit is that he is the 6th generation of his family, serving the armed forces.
The three band contingents march forward and take position close to the President's seat. The drummers give a solo performance (known as the Drummer's Call). A regular feature of this pageant is the last tune played before the Retreat. It is the famous Christian Hymn composed by William H Monk, Abide With Me. The chimes made by the tubular bells, placed quite at a distance, creates a mesmerising ambience.
This is followed by the bugle call for Retreat, and all the flags are slowly brought down. The band master then marches to the President and requests permission to take the bands away, and informs that the closing ceremony is now complete. The bands march back playing a popular martial tune 'Saare Jahan Se Achcha'. As soon as the bands cross Raisina Hills a spectacular illumination display is set up on the North and South Blocks of the Parliament building.
Well, truely a wonderful experience and I recommend we must see this once in our lifetime.... for some, like me maybe a few more times.
Cheers!!
