Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Thursday said the `Beating Retreat` ceremony, scheduled for Thursday evening, marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations and reflects the “strength of India`s rich military heritage.”
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said the event highlights the traditions, discipline and valour of the Indian armed forces, who remain committed to safeguarding the nation.
“This evening, the Beating Retreat ceremony will be held. It symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. In it, the strength of India`s rich military heritage will be displayed. We are extremely proud of our armed forces who are dedicated to the defence of the country,” he said.
आज शाम बीटिंग रिट्रीट का आयोजन होगा। यह गणतंत्र दिवस समारोहों के समापन का प्रतीक है। इसमें भारत की समृद्ध सैन्य विरासत की शक्ति दिखाई देगी। देश की रक्षा में समर्पित अपने सशस्त्र बलों पर हमें अत्यंत गर्व है।
एको बहूनामसि मन्य ईडिता विशं विशं युद्धाय सं शिशाधि।
अकृत्तरुक्त्वया… pic.twitter.com/HtoYOI5VfK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026
Traditionally held at Vijay Chowk in the national capital, the `Beating Retreat` ceremony marks the culmination of Republic Day festivities.
The ceremony, rooted in military tradition, features massed bands of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force performing patriotic and classical tunes, creating a solemn and stirring atmosphere.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also confirmed the event will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi at 5 pm. In an X post, he described the ceremony as a “solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close.”
Delhi Traffic Police issue advisory
In a post on X, the defence minister wrote, “At 5.00 PM today, the `Beating the Retreat` ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close.”
At 5.00 PM today, the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close. Set against the grandeur of Vijay Chowk, it reflects the discipline, unity and…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 29, 2026
In view of the event, the Delhi Traffic Police issued a detailed advisory. Traffic restrictions will remain in effect from 4 pm to 6 pm on Thursday to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony and movement of contingents and officials. Vijay Chowk and several connecting roads, including Raisina Road, Krishna Menon Marg, Sunehri Masjid roundabout, and Kartavya Path, will remain closed to general traffic.
The police have appealed to the commuters to plan their journeys in advance and use alternate routes such as Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road-Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road during the restricted hours.
The full dress rehearsal of the Beating Retreat ceremony took place on Tuesday, while the main ceremony will be held today, formally concluding the Republic Day celebrations.
(With ANI inputs)