Section – D
Summary In English: Beating the Retreat
“Beating the Retreat” is a ceremonial event that marks the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations in India. It takes place on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. The event revives the old military tradition of recalling troops at sunset using drums. Bands from the Army, Navy, and Air Force perform martial and patriotic music in front of the beautifully lit Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. The ceremony ends with the hymn “Abide with Me” followed by a solitary bugler playing the final notes. The only time it was cancelled was in 2001, due to the Gujarat earthquake.
हिंदी में :
बीटिंग द रिट्रीट गणतंत्र दिवस समारोह का समापन करने वाला एक भव्य कार्यक्रम है, जो हर वर्ष 29 जनवरी को विजय चौक, नई दिल्ली में होता है। यह कार्यक्रम पुराने सैनिक परंपरा को दर्शाता है, जिसमें सूर्यास्त के समय सैनिकों को ड्रम बजाकर वापस बुलाया जाता था। भारतीय सेना, नौसेना और वायुसेना के बैंड देशभक्ति और युद्ध संगीत प्रस्तुत करते हैं। रोशनी से सजे राष्ट्रपति भवन और संसद भवन इसकी पृष्ठभूमि होते हैं। अंत में “अबाइड विद मी“ भजन बजाया जाता है और एक अकेला बग्लर अंतिम सुर बजाता है। 2001 में गुजरात में आए भूकंप के कारण यह समारोह एकमात्र बार रद्द हुआ था।
Word Meanings
Word/Phrase | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Beating the Retreat | A ceremonial military conclusion | सैनिक समापन समारोह |
Sovereign | Independent and self-governing | स्वतंत्र और स्वशासी |
Democratic republic | A country governed by elected representatives | लोकतांत्रिक गणराज्य |
Ceremony | A formal event | औपचारिक कार्यक्रम |
Heralding | Announcing or signaling | संकेत देना / उद्घोषणा करना |
Barracks | Buildings for soldiers to live in | सैनिकों के रहने की छावनी |
Extravaganza | A grand show or performance | भव्य प्रदर्शन |
Martial music | Military-style music | युद्ध-संगीत / सैनिक संगीत |
Hymn | A religious or spiritual song | भजन / प्रार्थना गीत |
Solitary | Alone or single | अकेला |
Bugler | A person who plays the bugle | बिगुल बजाने वाला |
Tranquil | Calm and peaceful | शांतिपूर्ण |
Augur | To signal or predict | संकेत देना / पूर्वाभास देना |
Devastating | Causing great damage or destruction | विनाशकारी |
Earthquake | A sudden shaking of the ground | भूकंप |
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
- When is the Beating the Retreat ceremony held?
A. January 26
B. January 30
C. January 29 ✅
D. February 1 - What is the location of the Beating the Retreat ceremony?
A. India Gate
B. Vijay Chowk ✅
C. Red Fort
D. Rajghat - Which hymn is played at the end of the ceremony?
A. Vande Mataram
B. Jana Gana Mana
C. Abide with Me ✅
D. Saare Jahan Se Achha - Who performs during the ceremony?
A. School children
B. Classical singers
C. Armed forces bands ✅
D. Film celebrities - Why was the ceremony cancelled in 2001?
A. Political reasons
B. Rainfall
C. Earthquake in Gujarat ✅
D. Pandemic
Short Question and Answers
Q1. What is the significance of Beating the Retreat ceremony?
Ans: It marks the official end of Republic Day celebrations and symbolizes the return of soldiers to their barracks.
Q2. Where is the Beating the Retreat ceremony held?
Ans: It is held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi.
Q3. What is the highlight of the ceremony?
Ans: The performance of martial music by the bands of the three armed forces is the highlight.
Q4. Which song marks the end of the ceremony?
Ans: The hymn “Abide with Me” is played at the end.
Q5. Why was the ceremony cancelled in 2001?
Ans: It was cancelled due to the devastating earthquake in Gujarat on January 26, 2001.
Q6. What does the ceremony symbolize from ancient times?
Ans: It symbolizes the traditional practice of recalling troops at sunset using drums.