‘Abide with Me’, the sombre hymn that marks the end of the Beating Retreat ceremony will not be heard at Vijay Chowk this year. ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ has replaced the hymn that has been part of the ceremony since 1950.
The bells ringing from the North Block and the South Block and the musicians posted atop the two buildings add to the captivating effect ‘Abide With Me’ has on the spectators.
It is always the last piece to be played by the brass bands before the retreat buglers bring down the Indian flag and the troops recede up Raisina Hill to the tune of Saare Jahan Se Achha marking the end of Republic Day celebrations
The hymn was written by Henry Francis Lyte, a Scottish Anglican minister and son of a naval captain in 1820 but it was first sung in 1847 at his own funeral. It is a prayer for God to stay with the speaker throughout life and in death
The hymn, which is popular in churches and choirs, was also played at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II. It was played by musicians as the Titanic went down.
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Abide With Me is believed to be Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite and it was also part of the list of devotional songs that was sung at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.