Beating Retreat 2026: PM Modi, Political Elite In Attendance As Military Tunes Mesmerize The Nation

New Delhi: Every year, after the January 26 parade concludes, people assume that the Republic Day celebrations are over. However, the festivities officially conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony. Rehearsals for the Beating Retreat ceremony, which takes place on January 29th, are currently underway at Vijay Chowk. Stunning pictures of the rehearsals have emerged.

#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Vijay Chowk to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony.

(Video Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/M7ozPRTvuS

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026

When is the Beating Retreat ceremony held?

The Beating Retreat ceremony is held three days after Republic Day, on the evening of January 29th, at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi.

#WATCH | Delhi: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan arrives at Vijay Chowk to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/g1pw6cVnOk

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026

Who performs at the Beating Retreat ceremony?

The Beating Retreat ceremony features musical performances by the bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and Central Armed Police Forces.

#WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu leaves from Rashtrapati Bhavan to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/O4tZB9LAGZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026

Who presides over the Beating Retreat ceremony?

The Beating Retreat ceremony is presided over by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

#WATCH | Delhi: National flag unfurled at Vijay Chowk during the Beating Retreat ceremony.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also present.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/TMkPhqDLbp

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026

When was the Beating Retreat ceremony first held?

The Beating Retreat ceremony was first held in India in the 1950s during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.