‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony at Vijay Chowk

Beating Retreat marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations will be held at Vijay Chowk this evening. Illumination of Rashtrapati Bhawan, North and South Blocks, Parliament House and India Gate is part of the ceremony.

A number of military and massed bands performing with their bagpipes, horns and drums will participate in the ceremony.

The ceremony traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands.

Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangement for the ceremony. According to the traffic advisory, Vijay Chowk will remain closed for general traffic from 4 PM to 9.30 PM.

Traffic will not be allowed on roads leading to Vijay Chowk. Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan Metro Stations will be closed from 3 PM to 6.30 PM.