Bhopal: On Sunday, the final rehearsal of the “Beating the Retreat” program was conducted in the evening under the guidance of SAF Bhopal Range IG Mr. Abhay Singh. The role of chief guest was played by Head Constable of 7th Corps Mr. Ramchandra Kushwaha and the role of program chairman was played by ASI Mr. Chandgiram Sen. Senior officers of the police department were present on this occasion.
The Republic Day celebrations in Madhya Pradesh will conclude with the “Beating the Retreat” ceremony on January 29. The ceremony will be organized at Motilal Nehru Stadium, Lal Parade Ground in Jahangirabad at 4:30 pm under the chief hospitality of Governor Mr. Mangubhai Patel and the chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
The “Beating the Retreat” program will include a Police Brass Band concert followed by a musical and captivating performance by the Massed Brass and Army Brass Bands. Pleasant musical tunes, group playing and quick and slow march presentations will be given by brass bands.
The program will begin on Monday 29 January at 4:30 pm with the arrival of the Governor Mr. Mangubhai Patel. Then musical presentations of Hindi and English classical tunes as well as songs from new and old Hindi films will be given by the Police Brass Band. Band-wise and group presentations will also be given by the police band and army band while marching. At the conclusion of the program, all the bands will give a collective performance and march past on the tune of the song “Saare Jahan Se Achha”. There will be fireworks after the national anthem. It is noteworthy that “Beating the Retreat” is an ancient tradition of military and paramilitary forces. When the military troops returned to their camps after the war, a program of band playing will be organized to reduce tension and for entertainment. In India, Republic Day programs formally end with this program. Apart from the country’s capital Delhi, the “Beating the Retreat” ceremony is organized only in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
