Gaurav Sawant Reports: President Draupadi Murmu Leads Beating Retreat 2026 At Vijay Chowk

On this special edition of Five Live, Sonal and Gaurav Sawant provide live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant highlights the 'major change' in the musical repertoire, noting, 'There’s a lot of decolonization as the government puts it. More Hindi music, instrumental music, Saare Jahan Se Achha of course remains.' The programme captures the arrival of President Draupadi Murmu, escorted by the elite President's Bodyguard, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. The report details the shift from British-era hymns to Indian instruments like the Mridangam and Tabla, and the historic renaming of Darbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular lighting display of the North Block, South Block, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolising a modern, self-reliant India proud of its indigenous cultural heritage and military discipline.