Wagah Border
Located at a distance of 22 km from Lahore, Pakistan, and 28 km from Amritsar in India, the Wagah Border marks the boundaries between the Indian and Pakistani borders, running along the Grand Trunk Road. The Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day, is the prime attraction. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship.
This ceremony includes the closing of the international gates and the lowering of the flags of both countries. The flag ceremony has been conducted by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers since 1959.
People also partake in entertainment as a display of national pride for the thousands of people who come here every day. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause, and Bollywood-style dancing to Hindi songs.
History
The Wagah Border Ceremony, more popularly known as the Beating Retreat Ceremony, was started in 1959 and was agreed upon by the government of both countries. It is a symbol of the rivalry between the two nations, as well as the cooperation and brotherhood of both nations. The aggression and anger between both countries have been toned down a lot over the years. Since July 2011, women guards of BSF have also been a part of this ceremony.
