Indian military bands

File:Indian infantry band 40th Pathans playing on a French farm (Photo 24-46).jpg playing on a French farm in Saint-Floris.]]

Martial music has been a part of Indian culture since the era of the Maratha Empire in the 17th century.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/martial-music-to-our-ears-fused-with-a-dash-of-state-history-2898649/lite/|title=Martial music to our ears, fused with a dash of state history|date=7 July 2016|access-date=9 February 2020|archive-date=21 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221175931/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/martial-music-to-our-ears-fused-with-a-dash-of-state-history-2898649/lite/|url-status=live}} Organized military bands were brought to India by the British Army as military bands early as the 1700s. In 1813, within a letter to the Military Secretary of the Commander-in-chief of Fort St. George, an army Colonel urged

the formation of military bands in the native regiments of the East India Company as a means "of improving the appreciation of European

music amongst the Indian population".{{cite web | url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/music/opencmscontent.aspx%3Fid%3D66f27991-c625-4d2b-9baf-e3b343e9abd2%26ved%3D2ahUKEwiri9PK1ITnAhWbLc0KHXCcDssQFjALegQIBRAB%26usg%3DAOvVaw12cfnmwVN6Z9Mtc-qCYyu4 | title=National Library Online | access-date=2020-01-15 | archive-date=2020-01-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115033537/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/music/opencmscontent.aspx%253Fid%3D66f27991-c625-4d2b-9baf-e3b343e9abd2%26ved%3D2ahUKEwiri9PK1ITnAhWbLc0KHXCcDssQFjALegQIBRAB%26usg%3DAOvVaw12cfnmwVN6Z9Mtc-qCYyu4 | url-status=live }} Prior to World War I each battalion-sized regiment of the Indian Army had its own military band.

There is no exact introduction year of pipe bands in the Indian military forces. When it was introduced it came into ethnically Sikh, Gorkha, and Pathan regiments in the late 19th century. The first fully Sikh pipe band was established circa 1856 when the 45th Rattray Regiment was established in Punjab. Since then, Sikh Pipe bands have been a part of the Sikh Regiments that were established under British rule.{{cite web |url=https://sridasmesh.org/ |title=Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band | Malaysian Sikh Band |publisher=Sridasmesh.org |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05 |archive-date=2022-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201154225/http://sridasmesh.org/ |url-status=dead }} British Indian regiments with pipe bands included the Bombay Volunteer Rifles and the Calcutta Scottish.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan/the-growth-of-tartan/military-tartans/regimental-tartans/|title=Regimental Tartans | Scottish Tartans Authority|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-date=2020-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011315/http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan/the-growth-of-tartan/military-tartans/regimental-tartans/|url-status=live}} The Military Music Wing came into fruition on 23 October 1950 under the patronage and supervision of K. M. Cariappa, the then C-in-C of the Army. In the early-mid 50s, the Indianization of formerly British military bands took place, with Harold Joseph, the then music director of the Indian Army, leading the revitalization of Indigenous tunes in the Indian military.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G7ChRvQLgvwC&q=Harold+Joseph+I|title = Indian and Foreign Review|date = October 1974}}{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QnTfAAAAMAAJ&q=Harold+Joseph|title = Sainik Samachar|year = 1988}}{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0nA9AAAAMAAJ&q=Harold+Joseph|title = The School Musician Director and Teacher|year = 1966}}{{cite web|url=http://www.punekarnews.in/army-symphony-band-concert-atpune/|title=Army Symphony Band Concert Atpune|date=26 May 2017|access-date=7 February 2020|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331090050/https://punekarnews.in/army-symphony-band-concert-atpune/|url-status=live}}

The Indian Army Chief's Band was founded in 1990 as the official band of the Indian Army and the foremost in the armed forces. It also, as its name implies, represents the Chief of the Army Staff at events involving the COAS's presence. The band represents India in most important state events held in the Indian capital. It also has represented India at various military music festivals in France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and Bangladesh.{{cite web |url=http://kremlin-guild.ru/kremlin-military-tattoo/participants/India/detail.php?ID=2256 |title=Участники фестиваля, Индия |website=kremlin-guild.ru |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420095135/http://www.kremlin-guild.ru/kremlin-military-tattoo/participants/India/detail.php?ID=2256 |archive-date=2010-04-20}}{{cite web|url=http://president-concert.ru/orkestry/proekty/orkestr-verhovnogo-komandovaniya-vooruzhennyh-sil-indii.html|title=Оркестр Верховного командования Вооруженных сил Индии - Проекты|access-date=2018-07-18|archive-date=2018-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205441/http://president-concert.ru/orkestry/proekty/orkestr-verhovnogo-komandovaniya-vooruzhennyh-sil-indii.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-band-for-Moscow-music-festival/articleshow/4933864.cms|title=Army band for Moscow music festival | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=26 August 2009|archive-date=27 November 2024|access-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127212312/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-band-for-Moscow-music-festival/articleshow/4933864.cms|url-status=live}}

File:Indian Navy Band in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2017 at United Kingdom (2).jpg

The Indian Naval Symphonic Band has been considered as one of the best military bands in Asia. It was founded in 1945. The Naval Musicians are known as unofficial ambassadors of the country. As Musician Officers they are responsible for conducting the Naval Band at ceremonies and symphonic band concerts in India and abroad.{{cite web|url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/page/musician-1.html|title=Musician - Join Indian Navy | Government of India|access-date=2018-07-18|archive-date=2018-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205608/https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/page/musician-1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://madrascourier.com/insight/musicians-of-the-indian-military/|title = Musicians of the Indian Military | Madras Courier|date = 26 January 2017|access-date = 18 July 2018|archive-date = 18 July 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205456/https://madrascourier.com/insight/musicians-of-the-indian-military/|url-status = live}}

File:Pratibha Devisingh Patil presented mementos to the conductor of the coir, after witnessing a spectacular performance by the Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra, at the auditorium in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.jpg presenting mementos to the conductor of the AWSO at the auditorium in Rashtrapati Bhavan]]

The No. 1 Air Force Band (also known as the Indian Air Force Band) is the primary musical unit of the Indian Air Force. The first IAF military band was formed on 10 June 1944 as the RIAF Central Band and is currently stationed in Jalahalli.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0bJIAAAAYAAJ&q=Warriors|title = Business India|year = 2004}} The concert band unit of the IAF Band is the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra (AWSO), formed in June 2002. The AWSO has performed at many concerts across the world in countries like France, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The AWSO consists of hand-picked musicians from various Air Force Bands.{{cite web|url=https://mycitybeats.wordpress.com/2015/08/12/orion-mall-resonates-with-the-patriotic-sounds-of-the-air-warrior-symphony-orchestra-of-the-iaf/|title = Orion Mall Resonates with the Patriotic Sounds of the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra of the IAF|date = 12 August 2015}}

File:Southern Naval Command Band Marching Past the Saluting Dais.jpg Band marching past a saluting dais]]

Army bands are directly reporting units of their regimental center or part of the educational institution:{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=6699|title=English Releases|access-date=2020-02-08|archive-date=2021-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031130743/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=6699|url-status=live}}

• Artillery Centre Band Nasik
• Hyderabad Artillery Center Band{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/army-band-leaves-audience-spell-bound-on-world-music-day/etphotostory/64729359.cms|title=Army band leaves audience spell bound on World Music Day|website=The Times of India|date=25 June 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://telanganatoday.com/artillery-centres-symphony-band-enthralls-music-lovers-in-hyderabad/amp|title = Home AMP}}
• Band of the Brigade of the Guards Training Centre
• Band of the Rajputana Rifles Centre
• Madras Regiment Band
• The Grenadiers Regimental Centre Brass Band
• Maratha Light Infantry Band
• Jat Regiment Centre Band
• Ladakh Scouts Centre Band
• 1 EME Band
• Corps of Signals Training Centre Band
• Bombay Engineer Group and Centre Band
• Madras Engineer Group and Centre Band
• Mechanised Infantry Regiment Centre Band
• Dogra Regiment Band
• The Garhwal Rifles Band
• Bengal Engineer Group Centre Band
• Parachute Regimental Centre Band
• Dogra Scouts Band
• 39 Gorkha Training Centre Band
• 11th Gorkha Rifles Centre Band
• 14 Gorkha Training Centre Band
• 58 Gorkha Training Centre Band
• Indian Military Academy Band
• Officers Training Academy Band
• Territorial Army Bands under various TA battalionshttps://www.indiastrategic.in/2017/10/09/territorial-army-symphony-band-performs-on-eve-of-its-68-th-raising-day/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}http://www.news007.in/india-news/territorial-army-symphony-band-enthrals-spectators-at-india-gate/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}{{cite web |url=http://www.uniindia.com/territorial-army-symphony-band-enthrals-crowd-at-india-gate/india/news/1012404.html |title=Territorial Army symphony band enthrals crowd at India Gate |publisher=Uniindia.com |date=2017-10-08 |accessdate=2022-08-05 |archive-date=2024-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623120350/http://www.uniindia.com/territorial-army-symphony-band-enthrals-crowd-at-india-gate/india/news/1012404.html |url-status=live }}
• Indian Army Grand Symphony Band
• Armoured Corps Centre & School Band
• 1 Signal Training Centre Band (Jabalpur){{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=031WegRPmM8C&q=1+Signal+Training+Centre+Band&pg=PA352|title = The Royal Corps of Signals: Unit Histories of the Corps (1920-2001) and Its Antecedents|isbn = 9781874622925|last1 = Lord|first1 = Cliff|last2 = Lord|first2 = Chris|last3 = Watson|first3 = Graham|date = 24 February 2014| publisher=Helion & Company Limited }}http://www.signalsbadges.co.uk/Asia/ics_drum_majors_bullion_badge_circa_1980s.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907200424/http://www.signalsbadges.co.uk/Asia/ics_drum_majors_bullion_badge_circa_1980s.htm |date=2019-09-07 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}
• Mahar Regiment Band
• Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Band
• Pioneer Corps Training Center Band
• Corps of Military Police Band
• Army Service Corps North Band

File:Indian Naval Academy Ball Autumn Term - 2016 (4).jpg

The following bands operate in the country:{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC&q=ins+chilka+band&pg=PA379|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990|isbn=9788170622666|last1=Hiranandani|first1=G. M.|year=2005|publisher=Lancer Publishers }}

• Eastern Naval Command Band{{Cite news|url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/the-indian-naval-bands-musical-wave/article22878619.ece/|title = The Indian Naval Band's musical wave|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 28 February 2018|last1 = Navya|first1 = C.|archive-date = 12 January 2020|access-date = 12 January 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200112110646/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/the-indian-naval-bands-musical-wave/article22878619.ece|url-status = live}}
• Western Naval Command Band
• Southern Naval Command Band
• INS Chilka Band (Orissa), serves the sailor training establishment on base
• INS Cicars Band (Fort Cochin), serves the Gunnery Training School
• INS Dronacharya Band (Fort Kochi)
• INS Hamla Band (Marve), serves under the Logistic, EDP and Cookery schools
• INS India Band (New Delhi)
• INS Jarawa Band (Port Blair)
• INS Kunjali Band (Bombay), serves in an official capacity as the Indian Navy Central Band
• INS Mandovi Band (Goa), serves the Indian Naval Academy
• INS Shivaji Band (Lonavla), serves under the Engineering Training School
• INS Valsura Band (Jamnagar), serves at the Electrical Training School
• INS Venduruthy Band (Cochin)
• INS Viraat Band

Bands often embarks on goodwill visits to different countries by means of its ship base. All navy musicians must have a bachelor's degree from recognized university and can play at least one military sponsored instrument.

File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the Indian Air Force Band Contingents (participants of the Beating Retreat Ceremony) and Provost Outrides, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 30, 2018.jpg with members of the Indian Air Force Band following the Beating Retreat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, 30 January 2018]]

Since 1944, eight regional bands have operated in the country:{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PqDfAAAAMAAJ&q=Indian+Air+Force+No.2+Band|title=Ceremonial Glimpses of the Indian Air Force|last1=Mandal|first1=Ranjit K.|year=2002|publisher=Ritana Books |isbn=9788185250304}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Others/385-Bands.html|title=Air Force Bands|access-date=2018-07-18|archive-date=2018-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205841/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Others/385-Bands.html|url-status=dead}}

• No.1 Air Force Band (Formed 10 June 1944, stationed in Jalahalli)
• No.2 Air Force Band (Formed 22 July 1949, stationed in New Delhi)
• No.3 Air Force Band (Formed 28 April 1961, stationed at the Dundigal)
• No.4 Air Force Band (Formed 28 April 1961, stationed in Bamrauli)
• No.5 Air Force Band (Formed 28 April 1961, stationed in Nagpur)
• No.6 Air Force Band (Formed 13 January 1969, stationed in Palam)
• No.7 Air Force Band (Formed 13 January 1969, stationed in Guwahati)
• No.8 Air Force Band (Formed 1999, stationed in Gandhinagar)

The current director of music for the Indian Air Force is Flight Lieutenant LS Rupachandra.{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/28293 |title=Service Record for Wing Commander Gopalakrishnan Jayachandran 28293 ADM [www.bharat-rakshak.com] |publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05 |archive-date=2022-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808052237/https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/28293 |url-status=live }}

The No.3 Air Force Band is attached to the Indian Air Force Academy, and has been configured that way since 1971.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-08-04/IAF-conducts-Band-Concert-to-commemorate-Independence-Day/316821|title=IAF conducts Band Concert to commemorate Independence Day|date=5 August 2017|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111213746/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-08-04/IAF-conducts-Band-Concert-to-commemorate-Independence-Day/316821|url-status=live}} Musicians are required to read and write in English and have a height of 167 cm. Musicians must be aged between 17 and 22 years old at the time of their employment.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/iaf-recruitment-2018-apply-online-for-indian-air-force-airmen-in-group-x-y/articleshow/64611519.cms|title=IAF Recruitment 2018: Apply online for Indian Air Force Airmen in Group X & y - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=16 June 2018|archive-date=31 December 2023|access-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231191207/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/iaf-recruitment-2018-apply-online-for-indian-air-force-airmen-in-group-x-y/articleshow/64611519.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://www.examsegg.com/airmen-in-musician-trade-of-air-force.html/amp|title = Airman in Indian Air force Musician Trade - Air force jobs|date = 18 October 2013|access-date = 18 July 2018|archive-date = 18 July 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205458/https://www.examsegg.com/airmen-in-musician-trade-of-air-force.html/amp|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/sarkari+job+news-epaper-sarkarjn/indian+air+force+recruitment+for+airman+group+x+airman+group+y+vacancy-newsid-71517420|title = Indian Air Force Recruitment for Group X & Group y (Airmen) Vacancy - Sarkari Job News}}

In December 1996, 20 members of the band died in a plane crash involving a Hawker Siddeley HS 748 in Dundigal.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/07a09fba4c848ea8eef636897fe66e5d|title=Indian air force plane crashes, 20 people killed|website=Associated Press|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111210207/https://apnews.com/07a09fba4c848ea8eef636897fe66e5d|url-status=live}}

File:The Indian Army Band performs the Indian national anthem during the opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas 2015.jpg Pipes and Drums during the opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas in 2015]]

• Madras Regiment Pipes and Drums{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-bands-kick-off-independence-day-celebrations/articleshow/48363984.cms | title=Army bands kick off Independence Day celebrations - the Economic Times | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=11 July 2018 | archive-date=24 January 2025 | access-date=22 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124095141/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-bands-kick-off-independence-day-celebrations/articleshow/48363984.cms | url-status=live }}
• Punjab Regiment Pipes and Drums
• The Garhwal Rifles Pipes and Drums{{Cite journal|url = https://www.jstor.org/stable/834409|jstor = 834409|title = Garhwali Bagpipes: Syncretic Processes in a North Indian Regional Musical Tradition|last1 = Alter|first1 = Andrew|journal = Asian Music|year = 1997|volume = 29|issue = 1|pages = 1–16|doi = 10.2307/834409|archive-date = 2020-01-11|access-date = 2020-01-11|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200111214308/https://www.jstor.org/stable/834409|url-status = live}}
• Pipes and Drums of Indian Army Gorkha Rifle Regiments
• Pipes and Drums of 1st Gorkha Rifles
• Pipes and Drums of 3rd Gorkha Rifles
• Pipes and Drums of 5th Battalion, 4 Gorkha Rifles
• Pipes and Drums of 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)
• Pipes and Drums of 11th Gorkha Rifles
• 14 Gorkha Training Centre Pipes and Drums
• Assam Regiment Pipes and Drums
• Dogra Regiment Pipes and Drums
• Sikh Regiment Pipes and Drums
• Rajputana Rifles Pipes and Drums
• Kumaon Regiment Pipes and Drums
• Ladakh Scouts Pipes and Drums
• Pipes and Drums of The Grenadiers
• Pipes and Drums of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
• Pipes and Drums of the 12th Assam Rifles{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/cantonment-buzz-22-09-2007/cid/1533869|title = Cantonment Buzz 22-09-2007}}

In December 2018, the British Band Instrument Company announced a new agreement with the Indian Army to supply all Regimental Centres with modern bagpipes and percussion instruments for their pipe bands. The new bagpipes were played for the first time on Republic Day 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/british-band-instrument-company-marches-to-success-in-india-sdbl5wdjh|title = British Band Instrument Company marches to success in India|last1 = Hurley|first1 = James}}{{cite web|url = https://bbico.com/selling-bagpipes-to-india-british-company-wins-3-5m-contract-to-supply-the-entire-indian-army/|title = Selling bagpipes to India: British company wins £3.5m contract to supply the entire Indian Army|date = 3 December 2018|access-date = 9 February 2020|archive-date = 25 January 2025|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250125041056/https://bbico.com/selling-bagpipes-to-india-british-company-wins-3-5m-contract-to-supply-the-entire-indian-army/|url-status = live}}

File:Girls NCC Band of Birla Balika Vidyalaya Pilani participating at full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade-2011, in New Delhi on January 23, 2011.jpg school participating in a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade in 2011. The school band has had an annual participant in the RDC Parade since 1950.]]

The National Cadet Corps maintains two cadet bands: the Boys Band of the NCC and the Girls Band of the NCC. They are commonly formed up during the NCC Republic Day Camp in late January, during which the bands participate in the Republic Day Parade on 26 January and the Prime Minister's Rally on 28 January.

The following Indian paramilitary forces maintain military bands:{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-NinRMPp1cUC&q=Central+Industrial+Security+Force+Band&pg=PA113|title = Scheduled Castes Today|isbn = 9788175330603|last1 = Jha|first1 = Makhan|year = 1997| publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. }}

• Central Reserve Police Force Brass Band
• Central Industrial Security Force Band
• Border Security Force Brass Band
• Border Security Force Camel Band
• Band and Pipes and Drums of the Assam Rifles
• Other Assam Rifles Bands
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police Central Band
• Bihar Military Police Band
• Kolkata Armed Police Band

The Central Reserve Police Force Brass Band, which consists of 38 musicians, was raised in 1961.{{cite web|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2002/rjan2002/21012002/r2101200210.html|title = Latest Releases}} A pipe band was established earlier in the CRPF in 1952.{{cite web|url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021223/main9.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News}}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} At a large parade, the band can increase its size three-fold.

Image:BSF-Republic day.jpeg Parade in 2004]]

The 36-member camel mounted band of the Border Security Force is one of two official bands in the BSF.{{cite web|url = https://www.thebetterindia.com/39521/border-security-force-bsf-camelry-camel-band/|title = Did you know the Border Security Force has a camel band? Here's all about BSF and Its Camels|date = December 2015|access-date = 2020-01-12|archive-date = 2020-01-12|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200112070602/https://www.thebetterindia.com/39521/border-security-force-bsf-camelry-camel-band/|url-status = live}} It is the only camel mounted military band in the world, and is mentioned in Guinness Book of World Records as such.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/bsfs-camel-contingent-to-perform-at-republic-day-parade/articleshow/56410186.cms|title=BSF's camel contingent to perform at Republic Day parade | Jaipur News - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=10 January 2017|archive-date=27 June 2024|access-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627111303/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/bsfs-camel-contingent-to-perform-at-republic-day-parade/articleshow/56410186.cms|url-status=live}} It is one of the unique sights of the Delhi Republic Day parade and has been an annual participant since 1990.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xGYo-LPPRGUC&q=Border+Security+Force+Mounted+Band&pg=PA29|title=Central Police Organisations|year=2005|publisher=Allied Publishers |isbn=9788177649031}} The only time it has missed a parade was in 2016 due to a lack of preparation.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/no-camel-contingent-at-r-day-parade-for-first-time-in-66-years-304232-2016-01-17|title=No camel contingent at Republic Day parade for first time in 66 years|date=17 January 2016|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402052901/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/no-camel-contingent-at-r-day-parade-for-first-time-in-66-years-304232-2016-01-17|url-status=live}}

Different units of the Assam Rifles maintain battalion jazz and pipe bands. For example, the 12 Assam Rifles has a pipe band that was raised in Wokha in 1959. In 2011, the 43 Assam Rifles began its own jazz band in a remote village in Senapati as a means to bring music to the people of that area.{{cite news|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/43-Assam-Rifles-under-the-armys-Red-Shield-Division-organized-a-jazz-band-display-at-Saikul-a-remote-village-in-Senapati-district-to-promote-the-bonhomie-and-cultural-harmony-between-the-armed-forces-and-the-local-populace-/articleshow/9361746.cms|title = 43 Assam Rifles under the army's Red Shield Division organized a jazz band display at Saikul , a remote village in Senapati district to promote the bonhomie and cultural harmony between the armed forces and the local populace. - Times of India|website = The Times of India|date = 25 July 2011|archive-date = 21 February 2025|access-date = 21 April 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250221181328/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/43-Assam-Rifles-under-the-armys-Red-Shield-Division-organized-a-jazz-band-display-at-Saikul-a-remote-village-in-Senapati-district-to-promote-the-bonhomie-and-cultural-harmony-between-the-armed-forces-and-the-local-populace-/articleshow/9361746.cms|url-status = live}} Brass bands are maintained at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School.

With the sanction of the Commandant of the Assam Rifles, bands can engage in events hosted by private entities. The band of a unit is managed by a committee of three

officers that are appointed quarterly. When massed bands are on parade, the senior bandmaster normally conducts (with the exception of the parade commander changing him/her at their discretion). All bands are provided with copies of Jana Gana Mana and all regimental marches in the Assam Rifles. As a matter of tradition, all

bands adhere to high pitch when performing.[https://www.assamrifles.gov.in/DOCS/POLICY%2520ACTS/Assam%2520Rifles%2520Regulation%25202016(1).pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjQ8-2O3c_oAhVKnq0KHdDNDNsQFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw1aVi9Xh8CqCH4DZOF_jX4d&cshid=1586036174211 Assam Rifles Regulation 2016]

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Brass Band was raised in 1973 and has been participating in Republic Day Parade annually since 1977. It has won best marching contingent in parade during the year 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2011 by marching on brass band tunes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eventfaqs.com/news/ef-06689/indo-tibetan-border-police-for-1331550678358|title=Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Golden Jubilee Brass & Pipe Band Display|website=EVENTFAQS Media|access-date=2020-04-02|archive-date=2022-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015010101/https://www.eventfaqs.com/news/ef-06689/indo-tibetan-border-police-for-1331550678358|url-status=live}}

Indian military bands play an active role in the annual Delhi Republic Day parade on the Rajpath. It is the largest and central of the parades marking the Republic Day celebrations in India. The bands of nine to twelve different Army regiments, as well as bands from the Navy and the Air Force march in the parade. Sub Lieutenant Ramesh Chand Katoch has set a record for leading a band contingent on the Rajpath the most, leading the Navy Band in 20 out 30 consecutive parades.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/654770/navy-band-masters-30th-last.html|title = Navy band master's 30th and last parade|date = 19 January 2018}}

The Beating Retreat is a massive gathering of Indian military bands held on Republic Day in the capital of New Delhi. It is organized by Section D of the Ministry of Defence.{{cite web|url=https://mod.gov.in/dod/ceremonials|title=Ceremonials | Department of Defence|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-date=2022-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726113333/https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/ceremonials|url-status=live}} It is based on a 16th-century military ceremony in England that was first used to recall nearby patrolling units to their castle. The ceremony happens at Vijay Chowk, and involves Indian military bands as well as the bands of the paramilitary services and the Delhi Police Band. Brass bands, pipes bands, and buglers from various Army Regiments perform at the ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/republic-day.htm|title=India - Background|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111234024/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/republic-day.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/beating-retreat-2019-all-you-need-to-know-1441603-2019-01-29|title=Beating retreat 2019: All you need to know|date=29 January 2019|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402052901/https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/beating-retreat-2019-all-you-need-to-know-1441603-2019-01-29|url-status=live}} National and religious pieces such as Abide With Me, Sare Jahan se Accha and sunset. The ceremony achieved a Guinness World Record mention for being the largest military band under one conductor, with its rendition of Amazing Grace including 4,459 musicians.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19980810-musicians-from-indian-armed-forces-create-guinness-record-826844-1998-08-10|title=Musicians from Indian armed forces create Guinness record|date=10 August 1998|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-date=2020-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112212538/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19980810-musicians-from-indian-armed-forces-create-guinness-record-826844-1998-08-10|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/just-before-monday/report-martial-music-and-the-march-of-patriotism-2712540/amp|title=Martial music and the march of patriotism|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-date=2020-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112221951/https://www.dnaindia.com/just-before-monday/report-martial-music-and-the-march-of-patriotism-2712540/amp|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/current-affairs/beating-retreat-ceremony-with-nationalised-flavour-disappoint-many-118020301059_1.html|title = Beating Retreat ceremony with nationalised flavour disappoints many| newspaper=Business Standard India | date=4 February 2018 | last1=Shukla | first1=Ajai }}

Military bands perform on Independence Day during the ceremony at the historical site of Red Fort in Delhi.

A ceremonial changing of the guard is held at the President of India's residence, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is held with the participation of supporting Indian military bands as well as President's Body Guard and the Brigade of the Guards. As the sentries are nominated and inspected by their officers, the band plays 'Sammaan Guard' (The Honour Guard) as a slow march before following that up with a formal march into the forecourt of the palace with the band playing "Sher-E-Jawan" (Tiger of a soldier). Other notable protocol tunes played at the ceremony include "Robinson" and "Sare Jahan Se Accha" (Better than any nation). Once they assume charge, the New Guard marches off along with the band playing "Amar Jawan" (Immortal Soldier).

The Military Band Concert is an annual event that is part of the Vijay Diwas celebrations organized to commemorate the victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the Bangladesh Liberation War. Apart from marching tunes, Bengali and Bangladeshi songs are also performed by band members.

Bands commonly perform at Passing out parades for military cadets. Throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, the traditions for these ceremonies are the same, Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns often being played.{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1572613|title=Passing Out Parade – Spring Term 2019 Held at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala|date=25 May 2019|website=Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence|access-date=2019-08-07|archive-date=2019-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807014830/http://pib.nic.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx%3FPRID%3D1572613|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/1637fed8772147b486987a6bd2671f49|title=SANDHURST PASSING OUT PARADE {{!}} AP Archive|website=www.aparchive.com|access-date=2019-08-07}} At the Indian Military Academy, before the cadets begin the passing out parade ceremony, the band plays a melody (aarti), allowing the cadets to pray to their respective god.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ima-pop-a-few-beliefs-and-traditions/articleshow/69695247.cms|title=IMA POP: A few beliefs and traditions {{!}} Dehradun News – Times of India|last=Jha|first=Prashant|date=8 June 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11|archive-date=2019-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830140854/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ima-pop-a-few-beliefs-and-traditions/articleshow/69695247.cms|url-status=live}}

In July 2009, Indian military bands marched down the Champs-Élysées with contingents from their respective services during the Bastille Day military parade to the sound of the military bands playing Indian martial tunes including Sare Jahan Se Accha, Haste Lushai and Qadam Qadam Badhaye Ja.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBnZjWQ77A8|title=Répétition de l'Armée Indienne à Satory pour le défilé du 14 juillet 2009|date=13 July 2009|publisher=YouTube|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127182311/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBnZjWQ77A8|url-status=live}} The same band took part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-band-to-participate-in-international-military-music-event-in-uk/story-jyb7NMxhwgUXVaxmWKLItJ_amp.html|title=Indian Navy band to participate in international military music event in UK|work=hindustantimes.com|date=30 July 2017|access-date=18 July 2018|archive-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205055/https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-band-to-participate-in-international-military-music-event-in-uk/story-jyb7NMxhwgUXVaxmWKLItJ_amp.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170196|title=Indian Navy Band to Participate in International Military Music Festival in Moscow (Russia)|access-date=2018-07-18|archive-date=2018-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205129/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170196|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://ngh.co.in/the-indian-navy-band-2392-817.html |title=The Indian Navy Band - 2392 817 |access-date=2018-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205302/https://ngh.co.in/the-indian-navy-band-2392-817.html |archive-date=2018-07-18 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-naval-symphonic-orchestra-%E2%80%93-2018 | title=Indian Naval Symphonic Orchestra – 2018 | Indian Navy | access-date=2018-09-02 | archive-date=2018-02-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212121705/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-naval-symphonic-orchestra-%E2%80%93-2018 | url-status=live }} In December 2019, for the first time, an Indian Army Band took part in the Victory day of Bangladesh parade.{{Cite news|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bangladesh-marks-49th-victory-day-with-grand-parade-indian-army-band-contingent-participates-119121600735_1.html|title = In a first, Indian Army takes part in Bangladesh's 'Victory Day' parade|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 16 December 2019|agency = Press Trust of India}}

• Lieutenant Colonel Girish Kumar Unnikrishnan, Director of Music of the Tri-Services Band in Moscow
• Warrant Officer 2nd rank Suresh Kumar, director of the Indian Army Chief's Band from 1988
• Captain S.S. Nagra, former Inspector of Army Bands
• Harold Joseph, former music director of the Indian Army
• Jerome Rodrigues, LMME LTCL former music director of the Indian Navy
• Commander Sebastian Anchees, former music director of the Indian Navy
• Major Nazir Hussain, was the Advisor in Military Music at the Army Headquarters from 1997 to 2004
• Major Karun Khanna, director of the Beating Retreat from 1974 to 1976
• Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, Band Master of the IAF Band since 2008{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/25th-republic-day-parade-for-iaf-bandmaster/article30560682.ece|title=25th Republic Day parade for IAF bandmaster|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 January 2020|last1=Peri|first1=Dinakar|archive-date=15 January 2020|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115050233/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/25th-republic-day-parade-for-iaf-bandmaster/article30560682.ece|url-status=live}}
• J.N. Roy Choudhary, instructor of music at the Military Music Wing and composer of Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat{{cite book |title=The School Musician Director and Teacher |year=1966 |publisher=Ammark Pub. Co. |page=80 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0nA9AAAAMAAJ&q=%22Deshon+Ka+Sartaj%22 |access-date=2009-01-08}}
• M.S. Neer, VSM, LMME-LTCL, Former music director, Indian Navy
• L.B. Gurung
• Nirmal Chandra Vij
• Master Chief Petty Officer 1st Class and Honorary Lieutenant Ramesh Chand Katoch, Band Master of the Indian Navy Band until 2018
• Master Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and Honorary Sub-Lieutenant Vincent Johnson, Band Master of the Indian Navy Band (2018 to 2023)
• Master Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class M. Anthony Raj, Band Master of the Indian Navy Band (since 2023)
• Commander Vijay Charles D'Cruz, current Director of Music of the Indian Navy
• Wing Commander Gopalakrishnan Jayachandran, current Director of Music and Principal Conductor for No. 1 Air Force Band

The band performs a number of slow and quick marches such as:{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/sachin_pk/XDrive/Marches.html|title=Indian Military Marches|access-date=2018-08-04|archive-date=2022-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629063040/https://members.tripod.com/sachin_pk/XDrive/Marches.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/today/27-indian-military-marches.html|title=Indian Military Marches - Bharat Rakshak - Indian Army & Land Forces|access-date=2020-04-02|archive-date=2020-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811043447/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/today/27-indian-military-marches.html|url-status=dead}}

{{Col div}}

• Sare Jahan se Accha (Patriotic March)
• Qadam Qadam Badhaye Ja (Army Quick March)
• Samman Guard (Army Slow March)
• Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko (Air Force Quick March)
• Vayu Sena Nishaan (Air Force Slow March)
• Jai Bharati (Navy Quick March)
• Anand Lok (Navy Slow March)
• Vande Mataram
• Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat
• General Salute
• Naval Ensign
• Sea Lord
• Indian Fleet
• Voice of the Guns
• ''Have the NCC Spirit in You
• Bravo Warriors
• Flying Star
• Battle of the Sky
• Stride
• Gulmarg
• Benihaal
• Nirmaljit
• Amar Senani (The Immortal Soldier)
• Dhwaj Ka Rakshak (Defenders of the Flag)
• Uthari Seemaye (The Northern Frontiers)
• Suvruth (The Holy Oath)
• Vijayi Bharath (India, the Victorious)
• Hind Maha Sagar (The mighty Indian Ocean)
• Nabh Rakshak (Defenders of the Air)
• Antariksh Baan (Arrow in the Air)
• Dhwani Avrodh (Sound Barrier)
• Siki Amole (Precious Coins)

{{Col div end}}

File:US Navy 040909-N-1212B-002 Musician 3rd Class Jesse Carmona, third from right, assigned to the Pacific Fleet rock band, Tsunami, plays with the Indian Navy Band.jpg

File:Indian Army band with ASEAN flag bearer contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg|Indian Army bands marching behind an ASEAN flag bearer contingent through the Rajpath

File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the Indian Army Band Contingents (participants of the Beating Retreat Ceremony) and Provost Outrides, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 30, 2018.jpg|Members of the Band of the Rajputana Rifles

File:Border Security Force Band marching contingent playing ‘Vijay Bharat’ passes through the Rajpath during the 63rd Republic Day Parade-2012, in New Delhi on January 26, 2012.jpg|BSF band marching contingent during the 63rd Republic Day Parade

{{Commons category|Military bands of India}}

; India related

• Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas
• Beating retreat in India
• Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat
• Indian Army Chief's Band
• Military Music Wing
• Music of India
• President's Bodyguard
• Tri-Services Guard of Honour (India)
• Samman Guard
• Guard of honour

; Other related topics

• Sri Lankan military bands
• Royal Corps of Army Music
• United States military bands
• Russian military bands

• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=upSVEYPpjFs Tri Services Band Concert]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6JhYKDcwaRQ The Band Spasskaya Tower in 2009]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eY3srdxSjWg Indian Air Force band performs at Beating Retreat ceremony in Delhi]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QW3nzmfYv7Y Military music is alive and flourishing in the Indian armed forces!]

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite web |last=Indian Milatary |date=8 March 2023 |title=Sarkari job find |url=https://mysarkarijob.info |access-date=9 March 2023 |website=Sarkari job find}}

• {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_lV8f1izTpQojb_VPCBWzpTUWCreY_-vnA|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 1}}
• {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_lkLYmSPrxTAAvnivrtACvW2i356_oWp8M|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 2}}
• {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_mYJXE1CPjWjzzLs22JKHYr6T1vLok5uJg|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 3}}
• {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_nv4HytqlkzxZrFIQCbJT8mpZmKQoCam2s|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 4}}

{{Military of India}}

Category:Music of India

Category:Indian ceremonial units