 The Beating Retreat, a musical dream. On the 29th of January, musicians from the three military services performed together to mark the end of the public day celebrations in India. The Beating Retreat is always performed at sundown. This colorful ceremony is symbolic of an old tradition when drummers would sound the call for troops to disengage from combat as light faded. The Beating Retreat was one of the earliest ceremonies to be instituted in the army. The origin of this ceremony lies somewhere around the 15th century. The concept of martial music is even more deeply rooted in Indian scriptures. Bharat Muni, a primeval Indian sage, has described the essential qualities of martial music in his Sanskrit treatise and music, titled Natya Shastra. It seems just like the instruments, these musicians are all tuned to one pitch. Back at their bases, it is a strict regimen of schedule practice with the entire band and many more hours of individual practice and effort. The conductor doesn't speak. He shows only indications and that indication musicians know. The importance of practice can't be stressed enough. Practice to play the correct notes in the correct tempo. Practice to evoke emotions. This is the first pitch. We are prepared for the formation. This is the second formation. From the lineup, we are forming the heart shape. Bagpipes have a special place in the military band. These instruments, in existence for over 3,000 years, are capable of creating a colorful, rustic ambience. Tubular bells are also used specifically in the Indian beating retreat for playing the hymn, Abide With Me, composed by William Henry Monk, a great favorite of Mahatma Gandhi. The beating retreat in India is performed at Vijay Chowk, flanked by the north and south blocks of the Indian Parliament House and the Rai Sinai Hills.