<P> Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi . Commencing from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate, this event is the main attraction of India's Republic Day Celebrations lasting three days . The parade showcases India's Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage . </P> <P> Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations . The President of India who is the Commander - in - Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute . Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this parade . </P> <P> The Beating Retreat ceremony is held after officially denoting the end of Republic Day festivities . It is conducted on the evening of 29 January, the third day after the Republic Day . It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force . The venue is Raisina Hill and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, flanked by the North and South block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace) towards the end of Rajpath . </P> <P> The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives escorted by the (PBG), a cavalry unit . When the President arrives, the PBG commander asks the unit to give the National Salute, which is followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, by the Army . The Army develops the ceremony of display by the massed bands in which Military Bands, Pipe and Drum Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands from the Navy and Air Force take part which play popular tunes like Abide With Me, Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn, and Saare Jahan Se Achcha at the end . </P>

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