Republic Day 2024: Attari-Wagah Border Throbs With Nationalistic Fervour At Beating Retreat Ceremony — WATCH

The Beating Retreat ceremony is being held at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar, on the occasion of India's 75th Republic Day celebrations.

File Photo Of Beating Retreat Ceremony

Source : PTI Images

The Beating Retreat ceremony is being held at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar, on the occasion of India's 75th Republic Day celebrations.

VIDEO | Beating retreat ceremony underway at the Attari-Wagah Border in Amritsar on occasion of the 75th Republic Day. pic.twitter.com/P5nzG1NWYV

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2024

#WATCH | Beating retreat ceremony underway at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar on #RepublicDay2024 pic.twitter.com/s20f8ocY4U

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

The beating Retreat ceremony is an annual military ceremony, dating back to the 17th century, holds historical significance and sets the stage for the grand Republic Day celebrations at Vijay Chowk in the national capital on January 29.

This year's Republic Day held special significance, as it witnessed a historic moment with over 100 women artists leading the parade. All-women contingents proudly marched down the Kartavya Path, showcasing the strength of 'Nari Shakti' (women power).

The parade commenced with a band comprising 112 female artists playing Indian folk and tribal musical instruments, such as Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, Dhol, and Dollu Kunitha, to the tunes of Raga Revati from Carnatic music.

French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion as the chief guest, joining a select group of global leaders who have attended India's Republic Day celebrations over the last seven decades. Macron, who witnessed the grand military parade and cultural performances, expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, "A great honour for France. Thank you, India."

President Macron, in a post on 'X,' greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, saying, "My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let's celebrate!"

The French President, who held extensive talks with Prime Minister Modi in Jaipur, emphasized the exceptional partnership between the two nations. The Republic Day parade also featured a 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band from France, adding an international touch to the celebrations.

The presence of global leaders at India's Republic Day celebrations is a tradition, and Macron's participation marked the sixth occasion that a French leader was the chief guest at the parade. Last year, the event did not have a chief guest due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year's celebration even more significant.