Curtains finally came down at the Republic Day Celebrations with beating the retreat at Raiseena hills in New Delhi this evening. <br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports, a total of 35 bands from the three services performed at the ceremony. <br/><br/>The arrival of the Supreme commander of forces, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil was sounded by fanfare comprising of trumpeters, 38 buglers and 38 Echo buglers, placed strategically along North and South Blocks, Vayu and Rail Bhawans.<br/><br/> AIR correspondent Manikant Thakur reports that the wars in ancient India were fought strictly in accordance with time honoured traditions. It commenced everyday at the appointed time in the morning which was indicated by sounding of counch shells, Turhi ,an ancient wind instrument, and Nagaras ,Huge Drums, by the opposing sides. The end of battle for the day was marked by Beating Retreat, by both the adversaries.<br/><br/>As soon as the Buglers sounded ‘Retreat’, troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, paid homage to their comrades who had died in battle and withdrew from the battle field. The homage was paid by standing still. At Retreat, Colours and Standards were cased, flags were lowered, and the battle ended.The traditional continues till day,though notionally.<br/><br/>The ceremony ended with the tune of National Anthem and various other performances including ‘Gulmarg’ and ‘Abide with me’- the eternally enchanting hymn, a favourite tune of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and ‘Sare Jahan se Achha’ penned by Iqbal .