Port Blair, Jan.29: Impressive performances by bands of Army, Navy, A&N Police, colourful cultural programme, illumination of boats and spectacular fire work display formed part of the Beating Retreat ceremony that marked the grand finale of the Republic Day celebration, at the historic Netaji Stadium here this evening. The First Lady of A&N Islands, Mrs. Chitra Joshi was the chief guest on the occasion. The Chief Secretary, Mr. Anindo Majumdar, Inspector General K.R Suresh, Commander Coast Guard, A&N Region, DGP, A&N Islands, Mrs. Nuzhat Hassan, Mrs. Rupa Ray, Adhyaksha ZPSA, Mrs. Baby Fareeda and other dignitaries witnessed the performance amidst large gathering.
The ceremony set out with the bands of Army, Navy and A&N Police including Ladies Police Pipe Band, marching in unison, playing popular marching tunes, followed by performance of various marching movements and beautiful formation. This was followed by lowering of the National Flag.
A combined display of colourful and mesmerizing cultural programme was presented by school students, which received huge applause from the gathering.
As part of the Beating Retreat, Naval ships at the anchorage fired vary’s pistol, while fireworks from the Marina Park illuminated the air in front of the Stadium. This was followed by illumination of ships of Navy, Coast Guard and Shipping Services, anchored between Marina Complex and Ross Island.
