The Hindu : New Delhi News : Three new melodies to mark Beating Retreat ceremony

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Three new melodies to mark Beating Retreat ceremony

Staff Reporter

An event of national pride when colours and standards are paraded and honoured

NEW DELHI: Keeping alive the age-old tradition that emerged from the need to call in the soldiers in action at sunset, honour the dead by clearing their bodies during the lull and giving them an appropriate burial in the battlefield, this year's Beating Retreat ceremony in the Capital will feature 14 military bands, 12 pipes and drums bands and 68 buglers from various regiments of the Army.

This apart, a military band of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will form part of the ceremony where President A.P.J Abdul Kalam will be the chief guest at Vijay Chowk on January 29.

A highlight of this year's ceremony will be three new melodies -- ``Indian Soldiers'' composed by Major R.K. Gurung, ``Bombay Sapers'' by Subedar Roop Singh and ``Suman Sarit'' by Major R.K. Gurung. "Beating Retreat symbolises the convergence of military music smart and agile drill movements and traditional fineries that the bandsmen are attired in. Over a period of time, it has emerged as an event of national pride when colours and standards are paraded and honoured. It has been receiving overwhelming acclaim at the national and international level,'' said GOC Delhi Area and Parade Commander of Republic Day Major General P.C. Bhardwaj at a preview of the ceremony on Tuesday.

At this ceremony, all kinds of new as well as some of the delightful traditional musical compositions are played. One of the hallmarks of the display is the rhythmic drumbeat by the drummers and the elaborate stylistic traits of the bagpipers and drummers. "Witnessing Beating Retreat gives the nostalgic feeling that martial musicians indeed have come a long way over the centuries. It is no longer confined to the simple rhythm, nor does it flourish on the drums or the bugler's call but represents a systematic and organised orchestration of the various sections of the modern bands. The greatest contribution of the modern bands is that it not only minimises fatigue of the marching troops but also enlivens the spirits of all the on-lookers watching the grand display of harmonic sounds and colours,'' added Gen. Bhardwaj.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail