In the 17th century, a new military tradition was born that involved sounding bugles and trumpets to mark the end of a day of combat. Today, in the 21st century, the tradition is still observed by many countries across the world with a few modifications to move with the changing times.

The Beating The Retreat Ceremony is organised by The Ministry Of Defence on 29th January each year to conclude the Republic Day Celebrations. Held with pomp and fervour, the ceremony is nothing short of a glorious reminder of the past as well as a mesmerising display of the discipline and synchronisation of the Indian Armed Forces. The tradition, which signals the retreat of the forces after the end of festivities, was born on the field of combat to formally mark the end of a day of combat. All flags were lowered as the soldiers of both sides retreated into their respective camps.

p Over the years in India, the ceremony has taken on the form of the official culmination of the four day long Republic Day Celebrations. In its present form, respective bands of participating forces raise their official colours and lower their flags.

Beating The Retreat is actually a military protocol despite the ceremony displaying the bravado of the Indian Armed Forces for visiting dignitaries and heads of states in its current form. Therefore, the Chief Guest for the event is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces: Hon'ble President of India. The President is escorted by the President's bodyguards amongst rousing fanfare of bugles and trumpets. He receives a national salute followed by the National Anthem and the unfurling of the National Flag.

Until a few years ago, the ceremony saw participation only from the the three Indian Armed Forces, namely - The Army, The Navy and The Air Force. However, since 2016, marching bands from other police forces like other Central Armed Police Forces have also been invited to perform at the ceremony as a recognition of their role being as vital as that of the armed forces.

The bands perform various melodies and tunes while marching in patterns in perfect synchronisation. As the sun begins to set, the performances culminate with a final tune as, the national flag is lowered. Following the bugle call announcing the sunset and the lowering of the flags, the band master requests the President's permission to lead the bands away and informs him of the ceremony's conclusion. Upon receiving the ascent, the bands march away usually to the beat of tunes like "Saare Jahan Se Acha".

After the national anthem, The PBG gives the president the final salute for the day post which he is ceremoniously escorted back to the Rashtrapati Bhawan.