President Pranab Mukherjee arrives in a ceremonial buggy for the Beating Retreat ceremony at Raisina hill, in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The ceremony marks the end of Republic Day celebrations. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
The Beating Retreat ceremony, that marks the traditional closure of Republic Day celebrations, takes place at Vijay Chowk, on Rajpath, the road that leads to Rashtrapati Bhavan. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
When the Rashtrapati Bhavan first suggested use of the buggy for the Beating Retreat ceremony, it led to a fierce debate in security circles. The use of the buggy was discontinued almost 30 years ago due to security reasons and presidents began using limousines for travels including Republic Day functions. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi)
Illuminated Raisina Hill during the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
The band comes marching at the Beating Retreat ceremony. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi).
Illuminated Raisina Hill, which houses India's most important ministries and the presidential palace, after the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
The lighted Raisina Hill looks beautiful during the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi).
Vijay Chowk was surrounded by Parliament Building, North Block, South Block, and Sena Bhawan. All of them are highly secured. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
Lighted Raisina Hill during the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
Horse-mounted presidential bodyguards stand at attention as the President Pranab Mukherjee leaves after attending the Beating Retreat ceremony against an illuminated Raisina hill, which houses India's most important ministries and the presidential palace in New Delhi. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi)
Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi)
President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday revived a presidential tradition by riding a six-horse buggy (carriage) to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony. (IE Photo Prem Nath Pandey)
President Pranab Mukherjee arrives in a horse drawn buggy, during the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi)
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal waves at the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi)
Band performs at the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
The bandsmen perform at the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)
The Indian defense forces band perform at the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi. (IE Photo: Prem Nath Pandey)