BEATING THE RETREAT 2025

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

29/I/2025

 

What a spectacle of colours and treat to the ears it was to enjoy this great ceremony which marks the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations at Delhi.

 

There was a confluence of regiments, tableau participants, bands, military equipment and of course not to mention the precise coordination of the air display where aircrafts congregated from various airfields from across the country. Time to head back home now. Thank you to each participant.

 

The ‘change’ at the beating the retreat ceremony was visible. From simple formations of the marching bands, it has been transformed to numerous formations. From simple marching as a contingent to diversifying the way they moved and made various symbols/formations. A remarkable achievement I must say.

 

Playing an instrument in itself is not an easy thing. On top of that if you are marching in quick or slow time increases the degree of difficulty. Add the hazard of changing the traditional style of marching to criss crossing each other with instruments of several shapes and sizes was a treat to watch. It was a display well coordinated. The choreography was immaculate and timings were perfect. A salute to the bandsmen.

 

What caught my eye this time were the ‘lady musicians’. Maybe, last year I did not notice them but this year they stood out so prominently. One felt proud of them to have participated in this jamboree of military and martial music.

 

The choice of tunes was both traditional and modern, Western, and Indian, vocal, and instrumental. Unforgettable old tunes stole my heart. The cry of Bharat Mata ki Jai was the icing on the cake.

 

This time I was very happy to see that ‘drummers’ of all kinds found a prominent place in the band display. They enchanted everyone with their deft movements and roll of drums. The LED lights with various combinations of photos looked very elegant and unique. Well done I must say and quite innovative.

 

‘Cymbals’ were showcased for the first time. They glittered and shone, reflecting an eye-catching moment. ‘Xylophones’ which we had always read about in Kindergarten as X for Xylophone came to life live. An immaculate moment, adding fresh flavour to the tunes.

 

One set of the drum beats almost got me on my feet to do Bhangra. It was catchy, the rhythm sounded like the traditional ‘Punjabi Dhol’. The classic ‘rags’ and beats brought out the Indianness in the proceedings of the ceremony. All musicians need to be complimented, not to forget the solo flutist and Band Masters.

 

Let me confess that I missed the bands playing ‘Abide with Me’ , a famous Christian hymn. The coordination of the band with the bells tolling in one of the arches of North Block was missed. Maybe, as time passes by, when the choice of music to be played is reassessed, it may find its rightful place again.

 

Hats of the TV crews. They can catch all the funny moments. Like the bandsmen ‘bunching up’ in a difficult move, or a horse bolting when the band squad passed near it. Formations the bands made were displayed from only one angle which could have been shown from behind the President. The impact would have been more I feel. My compliments to DD too.

 

I wish that, like the bugles and trumpets are showcased at the start of the ceremony, other wind instruments also need to be brought to the fore. We hear music alright but listening to say a Tuba, Clarinet or a Saxophone exclusively may be considered like they showcased the ‘Pungi or Tutari’.

 

The sway of the ‘Bagpipers’ was unmatched. With their bellows filled and fingers moving deftly on their pipes, it made a great visual and some different kind of music which we generally do not hear.

 

The only thing which may change in the future is the uniform of our bandsmen. Though the age-old leopard skins have been replaced by printed cloth, which was also visible in the Indonesian Band where they had head gears depicting leopards which were not real ones. I am not sure how they could indigenise the tunics and head gears. Though most are ‘band galas’ and safas. I am sure people must be giving it a thought.

 

Overall, what a ceremony to witness it was. Sound, light and action was all over. There were no breaks. One tune after the other was played. I wish they gave a pause for people to appreciate and clap for such a great effort which the bands had put in to display such a pompous show which motivates all of us.

 

All those who missed it, I am pasting the you tube link. Will you watch this great ceremony of “Beating the Retreat” next year? I wonder!!!!!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pGMYjr0VHE

 

JAI HIND
©® NOEL ELLIS