Beating Retreat: President Murmu, PM Modi attend event to mark end of 77th Republic Day celebrationsAs central Delhi lit up and military bands marched in perfect sync, the Beating Retreat ceremony marked the quiet yet powerful end of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, with the President and Prime Minister in attendance at Vijay Chowk. The ceremonial event was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other Union Ministers. A Tradition Rooted in Military HistoryThe Beating Retreat ceremony is a time-honoured military tradition that dates back several centuries. It signifies the end of formal Republic Day events and symbolises a transition from ceremonial celebrations to peace and routine vigilance. ‘World’s oldest and largest democracies’: Trump’s big shoutout to US-India ties on Republic DayFor many spectators, the Beating Retreat remains one of the most evocative moments of the Republic Day calendar, blending tradition with national emotion.