WAGAH BORDER PARADE | BEATING RETREAT BORDER CEREMONY | ATARI & WAGAH BORDER | INDIA PAKISTAN BORDER

The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border is a daily ceremony that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959.[2] The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres and raising legs as high as possible, which have been described as "colourful".[2] It is both a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, and a display of brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.
Where is Wagah Border located?
Wagah Border is on the Grand Trunk Road. Wagah is a village in Pakistan on the way to Lahore. The Wagah Border with Pakistan is about 30 km from Amritsar, near Attari village in India.
History of Wagah Border Amritsar
Wagah border history goes back to when British rulers left the Indian subcontinent in 1947. It came into existence as the country was divided into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. Wagah Border between India and Pakistan is an army outpost today.
Relations between the two countries have been tense throughout. But the daily ceremony has been in practice by the army since 1959. Attari-Wagah is also one of the main access points to Pakistan.
The show is jam-packed with patriotic and enthusiastic Indians. All cheer the soldiers and sing the national anthem as the event ends.
Wagah Border Timings and Entry Fees :-
Wagah Border visiting hours are from 10 AM to 4 PM. The ceremony timing is 4.15 PM (in winter) and 5.15 PM (in summer). And the entry begins at around 2-3 PM. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You don’t need to buy any entry passes or tickets.
It’s a formal event between two nations you can experience on any day, including holidays. Entry is closed sometimes when the relations between the two countries are cold.
This ceremony takes place at the Attari-Wagah border, which is part of the Grand Trunk Road. Prior to the opening of the Aman Setu in Kashmir in 1999, it was the only road link between these two countries. It is called a Beating Retreat border ceremony on the international level.
The ceremony starts every evening immediately before sunset with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides, and ends with the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags.[3] One infantryman stands at attention on each side of the gate. As the sun sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The flags are then folded, and the ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the closing of the gates again. The spectacle of the ceremony attracts many visitors from both sides of the border, as well as international tourists.[3] In 2010, the ceremony was made less hostile by both sides; the ceremony now includes a handshake and a smile.[4][5] In October 2010, Major General Yaqub Ali Khan of the Pakistan Rangers decided that the aggressive aspect of the ceremonial theatrics should be toned down. The soldiers of this ceremony are specially appointed and trained for this auspicious ceremony. They also have a beard and moustache policy for which they are paid additionally.
How to reach Wagah Border from Amritsar?
Attari-Wagah Border to Amritsar distance is 28 km. It’s 30 km from Amritsar railway station and the bus stand. And from Amritsar airport, Wagah Border is 35 km away. Following are the different ways to reach Wagah Border near Amritsar -
By bus - You can get a Wagah Border bus easily from Amritsar. Most buses stop at Attari, from where you’ll need to take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to the entry gate.
By taxi/cab - You can book taxis from the top car rentals in Amritsar to visit Wagah Border Amritsar. They’re the best way to visit the place. You can also hire a Wagah Border cab for the day and visit all the tourist places nearby.