The sounds of as many as 9 instruments like the Flute, Chanters, Bagpipes, Trumpets , Bugle, Side drums, Tenor drums, Basse drums, Symbals filed the air as the 300 participants marched on, playing to the tunes of Jolly Good Fellow, White Horse, Slow March, India Gate, Rajasthani and Mexican music.

The members of the band come from a long line of Scouts and Guides band performers. And this practice ensures that children learn discipline, teamwork and leadership skills at an early age. Being a part of the band or being a part of the scouting and guiding community also comes in line with Ismaili community’s spirit of volunteerism.

Nancy Lakhani, 15, a participant from Surat, who has been playing the chanter for over a year, says she joined the Guides at the age of five. “I have learnt to be of service to the community.”

Nabil Virani, 28, a participant from Mumbai who is the major of his band and who also plays the bagpipe and bugle from the past 11 years said “Winning the Band competition was a dream under making since past 10 years. It’s not just about this one time competition but for me it’s more than that. Bands are like a legacy, we need to keep it working for a long time and not just during competition. Regular practice and sustaining the band is the most important for me and not just during big occassions.”

The bands left spectators mesmerised making sure that their sounds are heard, and their message, to embrace one’s cultural heritage and one’s tradition is understood by all.

The competition, which went on late into the night, was judged by Vincent Johnson, master chief petty officer musician, Subedar Pargat Singh from the Indian Army, and music composer Shardul Sakhale.