Several firsts at Beating Retreat ceremony this year

New Delhi: From traditional Indian musical instruments such as “santoor” and “sitar” to bands from the state police, Friday's glittering Beating Retreat ceremony at the Vijay Chowk here has witnessed them all.

Some 20 out of 26 performances at the Beating Retreat were composed by Indian musicians. Principal conductor of the ceremony was Cdr VC D’Cruz.

A total of 15 military bands, 18 pipes & drum bands from regimental centres and battalions participated.

For the first time, Indian musical instruments like the santoor and sitar were played at the ceremony.

Also for the first time, bands from the state police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) participated in the event.

Beating Retreat is held every year on January 29 which marks the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Day celebration.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues, three chiefs of the forces, former PM Manmohan Singh, high-ranking government officials, among others attended the event.