About the Ceremony

• Beating Retreat marks the formal end of Republic Day celebrations in India.
• It is held three days after Republic Day, on 29 January every year.

Venue and Timing

• Conducted in the evening of 29 January.
• Venue: Vijay Chowk, New Delhi.

Participants

• Musical bands of:
  • Indian Army
  • Indian Navy
  • Indian Air Force
  • Delhi Police
  • Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)

Presiding Authority

• The ceremony is presided over by the President of India.
• The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.

Historical Background

• First held in the 1950s.
• Organised during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to India.

Significance

• Annual event held to pay tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.