Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared glimpses from the Beating Retreat 2026 ceremony, praising the memorable performances by various military and paramilitary bands.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister highlighted the musical excellence, precision, and visual grandeur displayed during the event, which marked the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.
“Here are some glimpses from Beating Retreat 2026. The performances by the various bands were memorable,” PM Modi said, while sharing visuals from the ceremony. He later posted additional glimpses, showcasing different formations and performances.
Commending the Indian Air Force Band, the Prime Minister described it as exceptional, noting their impeccable renditions of ‘Brave Warrior’, ‘Twilight’, ‘Alert (Post Horn Gallop)’ and ‘Flying Star’. He also lauded the Sindoor formation, calling it brilliant.
Praising the Indian Navy’s musical contingent, PM Modi said the Naval Band delivered an outstanding performance with compositions such as ‘Namaste’, ‘Sagar Pawan’, ‘Matribhumi’, ‘Tejasvi’ and ‘Jai Bharati’. He added that the Matsya Yantra formation was flawless.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) bands, stating that their diverse compositions were vibrant and reflected a deep sense of pride for those who protect the nation.
Highlighting the Army Military Band, the PM said their tunes were excellent and complemented by masterful formations. These included tributes to Operation Sindoor, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, India’s women’s cricketing triumph, and representations of the Ashni drone, Bhairav battalion and the ancient Garuda Vyuha battle formation.
Referring to the ‘Drummers’ Call’, Prime Minister Modi described the performance as spectacular and widely appreciated by the audience.
“At a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, this rendition at the Beating Retreat 2026 by our armed forces is particularly special,” he said.
The Beating Retreat ceremony once again showcased the discipline, creativity and musical heritage of India’s armed forces, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.
