Christie laser projectors were deployed for a projection mapping showcase on the Secretariat Building in New Delhi, India to elevate the scale and solemnity of the annual Beating Retreat ceremony.
Held annually on January 29, the Beating Retreat ceremony is a centuries-old military tradition dating from the days when troops disengaged from battle at sunset. In India, the elaborate military ceremony is conducted to mark the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations.
This year the captivating visuals, specially designed to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, perfectly complemented the grand ceremony at Vijay Chowk, which included military bands, pipes and drum bands, buglers, and trumpeters from India’s armed forces.
Over 40 Christie D20WU-HS laser projectors were deployed for the six-minute projection mapping performance on the parapet walls of the Secretariat Building’s symmetrical North and South Blocks, which feature Indo-Saracenic revival architecture and house key government offices. They were installed and commissioned by Christie’s longstanding partner, Modern Stage Services. This was the first time that a massive projection mapping performance has been staged during the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
Pratik Wadhwa, chief executive officer, Modern Stage Services, said: “We are thrilled to be given the honour of delivering the first-ever projection mapping show during the annual Beating Retreat Ceremony, which is a major highlight of Republic Day celebrations. The Christie D20WU-HS laser projector is our preferred choice to light up the Secretariat Building due to its high brightness, color performance and reliability. The projector’s compact, lightweight and omnidirectional capabilities also provide us with a lot of installation flexibility and reduce the complexities to accomplish this major outdoor spectacle.”
Rishubh Nayar, sales director for India, enterprise, Christie, commented: “We are delighted that the Christie HS Series has been chosen to illuminate the majestic Secretariat Building for this large-scale projection mapping show, which is a stunning combination of military tradition and state-of-the-art projection technology. My heartfelt congratulations to Pratik and the Modern Stage Services team for delivering a colourful, breathtaking spectacle that brings this year’s Republic Day celebrations to a close on a high note.”