New Delhi: Soul-stirring martial tunes and foot-tapping drumbeats today reverberated as bands played near the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan lit by thousands of bulbs during Beating the Retreat event, marking the end of the Republic Day celebrations.
The highlight of the event was the arrival of President Pranab Mukherjee, the chief guest for the event, in an open six-horse buggy along with the Presidential Bodyguards.
The Presidential buggy made a comeback in a public event after its use was discontinued decades ago due to security reasons.
The ceremony began with unfurling of the Indian flag with the National Anthem played in the background, descending a solemn mood at Vijay Chowk.
This was followed by fanfare of the buglers which announced the formal beginning of the ceremony.
First to perform was the Massed Bands, which set the tone for the evening with the famous tune of ‘Jahan Daal Daal Par'.
