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Symbolising the convergence of military might and music, martial bands from the three defence services played enthralling tunes to draw the curtains on the 53rd Republic Day with the Beating the Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Armed with seven new compositions, the massed bands kept date with tradition, presenting mesmerising and forceful numbers in the historic setting of Vijay Chowk, as the sun sank into the horizon.
President K R Narayanan, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, Vice President Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and several other dignitaries were also treated to a variety of marching formations synchronised with the tune of the beats.
Among the new tunes was India for Peace by Major (retd) Nazir Hussain, played in slow march to highlight the country's desire for peace and contribution towards this end.
Another new tune, Veer Sipahi, composed by Major General K N Bhatt, additional director general of the Army Education Corps, was played to a quick march.
Enchanting the spectators, were two more new scores -- cradle song Godhuli, a tune interspersed with sounds of echo, composed by retired Major H B Brail and New Millennium.
Also for the first time, the massed Services Bands played Sitare Hind, a tune dedicated to the service chiefs.
The navy and air force bands played two new tunes, Air Warrior and Vayu Shakti, composed by the principal conductor of the show, Flight Lieutenant P K Jena.
A patriotic number, Sabse Accha Desh Hamara, Jag Se Nyara Hindustan, composed by Maj Gen Bhatt and arranged for military bands by Maj Hussain, was dedicated to soldiers.
The show also retained some of the old hits like Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Abide with me.
The rhythmic integration of the drum beats and elaborate stylish traits of the pipers brought Vijay Chowk alive, as a nostalgic feeling was generated by the annual feature which marks the culmination of Republic Day celebrations.
Other numbers played at Beating the Retreat, which commemorates the old custom of military warfare when the soldiers were recalled to the camps at sunset at the sounding of Retreat, included Sons of the Brave, Kesaria Bana, The Glendaruel Highlanders, The Bonawe Highlanders, Air Warrior, Fleet Review-2001 in quick march.
My Home and Sea Lord were presented in slow march as Brig of Perth was in Strathespey.
PTI
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