Wagah Border Flag Retreat
The rivalry between India and Pakistan goes back to the year in which the state of Pakistan was created. India was cut into two halves based on religious differences. From that fateful night in 1947 until this very day, both the neighboring nations are at loggerheads with each other. So, it is no wonder that the borders the two countries share are very sensitive. The Wagah border is one such border. Except it is much more than a border: Wagah is the symbol of rivalry and brotherhood.
Every day at dusk, Indian and Pakistani border guards put on a show of one-upmanship at the Wagah border crossing on the road between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan.
Thousands show up to watch, from the stands, every day as the soldiers try to outdo the other side by marching and exaggeratedly performing drills, with impressively high leg kicks.
One soldier stands at attention on each side of the gate. As the sun sets, the iron gates of the border are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously.
The flags are 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.
Wagah is the only road border crossing between Pakistan and India and lies on the Grand Trunk Road between the cities of Amritsar, Punjab, India, and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The border is located 22 km from Lahore and 32 km from Amritsar.
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.
