AULD LANG SYNE

When the Army Navy Airforce ceremonial band plays, Auld Lang Syne composition, it makes the listener nostalgic and instantly transports him to down memory lane. The original Scottish folk song meaning  - "Old long since", or "days gone by" or "old times" was edited and rewritten by Robert Burns in 1788 and since then has stroked the emotional chord of the western world and armed forces of many commonwealth countries including India. 

Since the song recalls the bygone days of the listener, it is remembered on new year festivities, or adieu functions. The tune is given here. Courtesy Youtube and is rendered by Maratha Light Infantry Band. 

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Please click on the link to listen to the tune - Auld Lang Syne Tune by Maratha LI  

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The tune is sombre, simple and very similar to Rabindra Sangeet. Tagore composition “Purano Shei Diner Katha” is said to be an inspiration from the Auld Lang Syne composition and it seamlessly fits into Rabindra Sangeet tunes. Just like Rabindra Sangeet has that solemn hint in its compositions, so does Auld Lang Syne has. 

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Please click on the link to listen to the tune. Courtesy youtube by Shaan. He has sung both versions well - Purano Sei Dinner Kotha . How seamlessly it merges with Rabindra Sangeet!

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Auld lang Syne tune is extensively played by Indian Army, Navy and Airforce at various occasions by the military band. This tradition is set to be changed and in the "Azadi ka Amrut Mohotsav" year, more focus is being given on the Indian tunes played at such ceremonies. In the 75th year of Independence, military bands will play indigenous compositions at the end of solemn national ceremonial events such as beating the retreat, passing out parades and other such occasions.