New Delhi: Rendition of 'Vandemataram' in a
fusion of western and Indian classical music styles will be
the highlight of 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony on Sunday
which marks the end of Republic Day celebrations.
Several bands from the Army, Navy and Air Force will play
various military tunes at the ceremony which will be held in
Vijay Chowk, set against the backdrop of the Raisina Hills
where the Rashtrpati Bhavan is located.
The rendition of Vandemataram by the bands of Navy and
Air Force in fusion is called "Renaissance" by the bands. The
bands will be playing tabla, shehnai and other instruments.
"This is for the first time we are having fusion music
for the 'Beating the Retreat' programme," Air Force
spokesperson Squadron Leader Priya Joshi said.
Meanwhile, elaborare security arrangements have been made
for the ceremony.
Vijay Chowk, where the Beating Retreat takes place, will
remain closed to traffic between 4 pm and 9:30 pm tomorrow
while DTC and Blueline buses which pass through Vijay
Chowk in their normal routes will be diverted.
President Pratibha Patil will be the chief guest of
the function.
Traffic will not be allowed on Rafi Marg between round-
abouts of Sunehri Masjid and Krishi Bhawan, Raisina Road from
Krishi Bhawan round-abouttowards Vijay Chowk, beyond round-
abouts of Dalhousie Road, Krishna Menon Marg and Sunehri
Masjid towards Vijay Chowk and on Rajpath between Vijay Chowk
and C- Hexagon of India Gates.
"Vijay Chowk will remain closed for general traffic.
Rajpath between Vijay Chowk and C-Hexagon at India Gate will
be totally pedestrianised," Satyendra Garg, Joint
Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said.
Parking will be available for those coming to see
illumination behind the water channels between Rafi Marg and
C-Hexagon.
DTC and other city buses will be diverted from their
normal routes from 4 pm to 9:30 pm to facilitate the vehicles
of invitees and spectators and to avoid traffic congestion on
roads around the venue of the function.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 20:28