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Rashtrapati Bhavan lights up in colourful hues for Beating Retreat

Three decades after its discontinuation at public functions due to security reasons, the buggy was used at the ceremony in 2014.

By :  vittal shastri
Update: 2016-01-29 15:46 GMT
The historic Presidential buggy made a comeback, after a year's break, with President Pranab Mukherjee arriving in it to attend the Beating the Retreat ceremony.
Illuminated Raisina Hill during the Beating Retreat ceremony.
Illuminated Raisina Hill during the Beating Retreat ceremony.
A view during the National Anthem at the Beating Retreat ceremony.
The Naval brass band performs during the Beating Retreat ceremony
An open horse-driven buggy was seen as a security threat by security agencies then, following which the traditional carriage was replaced by bullet-proof cars.
Almost 32 years ago, former President late Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed had used the buggy to reach the exit gate of Rashtrapati Bhavan from where he used to travel in car to attend the ceremony.
The Beating the Retreat ceremony which takes place on Vijay Chowk on Rajpath on January 29, marks the end of Republic Day celebrations.
He was received by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chiefs of the three forces.
The six-horse driven carriage was used by the Viceroy during the British rule. After Independence, it has remained with the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Mukherjee, the chief guest of the function and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, reciprocated the greetings with his customary wave at the audience.
The other guests included politicians and top figures from across the political spectrum.
Mukherjee was cheered as the wheels of the open gold-plated carriage rolled down the Raisina hill, making its way past hundreds of spectators who gathered to witness the colourful event.
Three decades after its discontinuation at public functions due to security reasons, the buggy was used at the ceremony in 2014. However, last year the President had arrived in his limousine.
Three decades after its discontinuation at public functions due to security reasons, the buggy was used at the ceremony in 2014.

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