Sri Vijaya Puram | January 29, 2026
The grand finale of the Republic Day celebrations 2026 was marked by a spectacular Beating Retreat ceremony at the historic Netaji Stadium here on Thursday evening, featuring impressive band performances, vibrant cultural programmes, illumination of naval ships and a dazzling display of firepower.
The ceremony was graced by Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, as the chief guest. The First Lady of the Islands, Ms. Chitra Joshi, CINCAN Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Director General of Police Mr. H.G.S. Dhaliwal, IPS, along with senior officers of the Defence and Civil Administration, public representatives and a large gathering of citizens were present on the occasion.
The ceremony commenced with stirring performances by the bands of the Army, Navy and Police, including the A&N Lady Police Pipe Band, which played a selection of popular and patriotic tunes, setting a solemn yet celebratory tone. This was followed by the ceremonial lowering of the National Flag.
A colourful and mesmerising cultural programme on patriotic themes, presented by students of GSSS Bhatubasti, GSSS Model, SSS Nirmala and GMS Dugnabad, drew loud applause from the audience, showcasing the talent and patriotic fervour of young Islanders.
As part of the Beating Retreat tradition, naval ships at the anchorage fired a Vary’s Pistol salute, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the sky in front of the stadium. The visual splendour continued with the illumination of ships anchored between the Marina Complex and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, creating a breathtaking spectacle for spectators.
The Beating Retreat ceremony concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, bringing the Republic Day celebrations 2026 to a dignified and memorable close.
