Breaking from the past, the beating retreat ceremony which unfolded in all its splendour at Raisina Hill had many firsts.
A thousand drones made their maiden and dazzling appearance, lighting up the sky above Raisina hill, in a unique demonstration of pageantry.
After witnessing the splendid Republic Day celebrations, it’s time to get ready for another exclusive event-Beating the Retreat! For the first time a drone show involving around 1000 drones will be featured.
Watch live at 5PM today: https://t.co/tITcugb3oD #BeatingRetreat pic.twitter.com/OC4nj83RkE— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 29, 2022
With that India became the fourth country in the world after UK, Russia and China to have achieved this feat, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.
Today’s Beating Retreat also showcased for the first time a distinct Indian flavour, in tune with the rise of India as a civilizational state that is rooted in its ancient past, shaking off the remnants of western colonial culture.
'Sare Jahan Se Achcha' replaced the British-era tune Abide With Me.
A host of new tunes were added to the ceremony to commemorate 75 years of the country's independence (being celebrated as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav).
A tune based on Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo, sung by the nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar echoed at the venue.
#WATCH | Military bands play 'Aey Mere Watan ke Logo' as part of the Beating the Retreat ceremony being held at Vijay Chowk, Delhi pic.twitter.com/MvA32kzbSK
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2022
Other tunes with a unique Indian flavour included 'Kerala', and 'Hind ki Sena'.
Also read: Why ‘Beating Retreat’ this time will be different from the past
