 into millenial sensibilities. The meeting retreat ceremony marks the culmination of Republic Day celebrations in the capital. More than 1,000 bansmen from the defence and paramilitary forces come together to weave a wonderful tapestry of rhythm and beat played out through precise choreography. So, irrespective of the generational slot you may fall in, this is one spectacle that will leave you absolutely enthralled. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Rajapati Bhavan and gently sloping Rai Sena hill, the golden hills of a setting sun will cast a magical spell on the complete vista. The actual beating retreat is a very old tradition. Many of you must have heard that in the great India and in our many books, it is likely that when the evening was raging on the battlefield, the army would close the battle and return to their own shores. In the past, when the retreat was raging, it was taken away with respect. In a short while from now, the President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovin, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, has been invited to the battlefield. In a short while from now, the President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovin, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, Shri Ramnath Kovin, has been invited to the battlefield. The President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovin, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces will arrive here in a ceremonial procession as the chief guest of this ceremony. In fact, the last couple of days were sort of cloudy in the capital with the sun playing shy at times, but today its benevolent sunshine has kept us company through the day. So its a perfect evening today inviting us all to embrace the moment, an evening dedicated to the magic of interplay, the interplay between military discipline and the free spirit of music, between the warm and flowing tones of a coppery sun and the firm and stoic demeanor of sandstone. A highly expectant gathering here, the enclosures are all packed to capacity and great anticipation. Though the overall format of the beating routine ceremony remains the same, every few years some new elements are added to bring a more Indian flavor and increase the ceremonies connected with the masses. The tunes and performances have been infused with more variety and lyricism while keeping the martial nature of the tradition in mind. As the gentle winter wind adds a flutter to the flags, the sun seems to have delayed its journey to the other part of the globe as if to witness this glorious display of lively executions. This is the forecourt of Rajapati Bhavan, President Ramnath Kovip, descending the 31-odd steps from where he will begin his journey to Vijaychok. 46 bodyguards on magnificent, bay and dark colored mounds is courting their supreme commander to the venue of the beating retreat. Raised in 1773, the president's bodyguard is the oldest and senior most regiment of the Indian Army. The officers of the PBG as they are called are creamed horsemen, paratroopers and tankmen and all of them at least six feet tall and perform ceremonial duties for the president, resplendent in their winter ceremonials. It's a short journey from the forecourt to Vijaychok. The vice president here, the enclosure. So in a short while from now, foot-tapping drum beats, sing-along martial tunes and calming flutes and chimes will reverberate in the air. History steeped in tradition. In fact, an inscription at the base running on three sides of the column reads, in thought faith, in word wisdom, indeed courage, in life service. So may India be great. The band will present itself. Around 1000 musicians will show their musical skills here today evening. And to be the same, the leader of the human state, Kaafila, now is headed towards Vijaychok. This time, the Indian drum beats will be heard in the beating retreat. All the bands will present themselves here. 20 of them will be selected by Indian musicians. The president's khake, exiting the gates, the iron gates, which look like filigree iron lace from a distance of the forecourt. And as they move towards Vijaychok, where the seating enclosure is packed, there's great anticipation in the crowd, as this is one of the most talked about military ceremonies in the country. All of us, let's just settle down, put thought to rest, and let the senses rule and experience sight and sound give meaning to beauty today. Every year, some new musicians join us in this festival, and try to make them more suspicious. This time, some new musicians join us. All the bands, which are known as Major Vimal Joshi, Major Gireesh Nair's band is a soldier, my Valentine, Virta's example, which Major Vimal Joshi has created, Major Gireesh Nair's band is also a Rooney Putra, which Major Gireesh Nair has created. And after many years, Major Guru's band is back in Maruni. And here, Kaafila, near Vijaychok, is headed towards Kaafila. President Ramnath Govind, at Vijaychok. President Ramnath Govind, at Vijaychok.