New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Operation Sindoor took the spotlight as the massed bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces delivered captivating performances of patriotic melodies, including Vande Mataram and A.R. Rehman's ‘Jai Ho’, during the Beating Retreat 2026 on Thursday, leaving the audience eager for more.

The performers dazzled the crowd with their illuminated outfits, accompanied by vibrant LED panels on drums and instruments, and striking formations at Vijay Chowk—including those honoring Operation Sindoor and the retired MiG-21 fighters—which truly captivated the spectators, including President Droupadi Murmu.

Also present were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with the chiefs of the three armed forces and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The ceremony concluded with the lowering of the national flag and the playing of the National Anthem, marking the official close of the celebrations for the 77th Republic Day. Following the performance, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and Parliament were beautifully illuminated.

“A Majestic Ceremony, An Extraordinary Occasion, A Musical Atmosphere. Experience the mesmerizing and spell-binding martial tunes played by the Military Bands during Beating Retreat 2026,” was the message shared by the Indian Army on social media during the event.

This year’s Beating Retreat introduced a unique feature where all spectator seating areas at Vijay Chowk were named after Indian musical instruments—including the flute, tabla, sitar, veena, shehnai, mridangam, sarod, and santoor.

Upon her arrival at Vijay Chowk for the ceremony, President Draupadi Murmu was greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The program commenced with the Massed Band performing their iconic tune ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’. The Pipes and Drums band then followed with captivating pieces such as ‘Atulya Bharat’, ‘Veer Sainik’, ‘Mili-Juli’, ‘Nritya Sarita’, ‘Maruni’, and ‘Jhelum’, which enthralled the audience.

The bands from the Central Armed Police Forces also delivered impressive performances, filling the air with songs like ‘Vijay Bharat’, ‘Hathrohi’, ‘Jai Ho’, and ‘Veer Sipahi’.

A significant highlight was the Indian Air Force band, which played inspiring tunes like ‘Brave Warrior’, ‘Twilight’, ‘Alert’, and ‘Flying Star’.

The Navy band infused the event with patriotic energy, performing songs like ‘Namaste’, ‘Sagar Pawan’, ‘Matrubhoomi’, ‘Tejasvi’, and ‘Jai Bharati’.

Finally, the Indian Army Band captivated the audience with stirring melodies such as ‘Vijayi Bharat’, ‘Aarambh Hai Prachand Hai’, ‘Ae Watan, Ae Watan’, ‘Anand Math’, ‘Sugamya Bharat’, and ‘Sitare Hind’.

The ceremony wrapped up, as is tradition, with the beloved tune ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ performed by the buglers.

Squadron Leader Lamapokpam Roopchand Singh served as the chief conductor for the event, with separate conductors from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Forces leading their respective bands.