R-Day to feature military tattoo, tribal dance; what's military tattoo?
Military tattoo is an elaborate musical performance by the armed forces with a rich tradition; there are many thrilling examples performed today throughout the world
The spokesperson for the Defence Ministry tweeted on Friday (January 6) that a Military Tattoo and Tribal dance festival would be held as part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2023 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi for the ‘first time ever’ on January 23-24.
Military tattoo and Tribal dance festival will be held as part of Republic Day Celebrations 2023 at JLN Stadium, New Delhi for the first time on January 23-24. @DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@TribalAffairsIn pic.twitter.com/iUHlLDr5x6
— Prasar Bharati News Services & Digital Platform (@PBNS_India) January 6, 2023
What is the ‘Military Tattoo’?
It’s definitely not what you had in mind. It refers to an intricate musical performance by the armed forces, and not to the tattoos that people get on their bodies.
In India, the Military Tattoo is an annual event held at Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Kolkata, as part of the Swarnim Vijay Divas celebrations to pay homage to the brave soldiers who fought the 1971 war against Pakistan and resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.
Interesting history
The name “military tattoo” goes back to the Thirty Years’ War, one of the longest and most destructive wars in Europe that lasted from 1618 to 1648, fought mostly in Central Europe. It originates from the Dutch phrase, “doe den tap toe,” which translates to “turn off the tap.”
During this war, Dutch fortresses were filled with mercenary troops commanded by the Dutch. Trumpeters and drummers were sent out every night to inform innkeepers to stop serving ale and to instruct the soldiers to return to their fortress. Gradually, tap-toe turned into tap-too and eventually became tattoo, the term that is used today.
Also read: Glimpses of India’s military prowess, grand flypast on display at 73rd R-Day parade
Music and drill in the military have a long tradition that goes back to ancient days. A military tattoo is an elaborate performance of music and a display of the armed forces. It exhibits a country’s “esprit de corps,” as well as camaraderie through music. It celebrates patriotism and the country’s culture and history and thrills the spectators.
There are many thrilling examples of Military Tattoos that are performed today throughout the world. The one in Tokyo started in 1963, is the oldest military tattoo in the Asia-Pacific region, and it brings together military bands from Japan, the U.S., Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, Australia, and Germany.
Other famous Military Tattoos are the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo held in Canada (since 1979), the Virginia International Tattoo in the USA (since 1997), the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland (the largest and best-known in the world), and the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland (since 2006).