Pipe-&-drum grand R-Day finale

NEW DELHI: As an orange-ribbed sky began to darken in the background, the dome of South Block, stood out silent and strong. Along with its imposing twin, the North Block, it stood watching over the murmuring down below on the broad spread of Vijay Chowk. A few cold moments hung still. Then, all of a sudden, warm waves of the sound of bugles wafted through the air, heralding the Beating Retreat ceremony.Jana Gana Mana began playing, the audience rose in unison.
An old military tradition, Beating Retreat, held every year in the Capital on January 29, marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations. Full of ceremonial splendour, the event brings together the bands of the three military wings - army, navy and air force - who march to songs as the President watches, along with the heads of the three defence wings.
On Tuesday evening, as the ceremony began, the wintry haze in the air gradually gave way to the beating drums and the low, piercing sound of distant trumpets. Men in pipes and drums, comprising bands from various regimental centres, were the first to march, followed immediately by the navy and air force bands.
Beating Retreat is more than just a military march. The throb of the bands swells as the men move in patterns, their feet constantly criss-crossing. The uniformity of it all pleases the eye. When the music rises to a crescendo, the feet move faster, hands swing vigorously and men scatter only to be knit back in novel formations. While little kids watch in wonder, the older in the audience try and hum snatches of familiar tunes being played. Abide With Me, Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja and Saare Jahaan Se Achcha, were some of the better known tunes that were heard. Whether or not the tunes are familiar, as the sound weaves into the air, it leaves those gathered with nostalgia for a time gone by.
For some foreigners present in the audience, Beating Retreat is infused with a sense of change combined with continuity in India.
''The whole ceremony has such a colonial feel but the mood of the audience and the Indian President sitting there are reminders of today's India,'' said Sarah, a visitor from France.
As the last marchers began their retreat to the stand and the sun began to set, the national anthem was played once again. Then, as if in rehearsed anticipation, the audience turned towards the North and South Block buildings. In a moment, what looked like pearl-sized yellow bulbs from a distance, suddenly lit up, synchronised with the sound of gasps in the audience.
toireporter@timesgroup.com