If you are true Indian and you have hunger for your nation, if you certainly want to eyewitness something that gives you goosebumps, if you want to come back home with different sensation, if you want to observe passion and patriotism at its peak; pack your bags and visit Wagah Border. 26th January is approaching so this is going to be the right time for you!
Group selfie at Border
Colorful crowd
Wagah Border, the boundary which splits the two countries (India and Pakistan) which were once the same land and have been at conflict ever since its parting. ☹ It is located in Punjab, situated at a distance of 28 KMs from Amritsar.
This is star experience which Amritsar claims of is the "Lowering of the Flags" ceremony at the Wagah Border. The flag lowering ceremony takes place at the Wagah Border gate every day. I seek exclusive experiences over my travels and Wagah border did not upset me. The utter greatness of enthusiasm which Indians show at Wagah Border was outside my comprehension and above my expectations. The enthusiastic cheers echoed in the lively environment. The scene was truly portraying India’s unity in diversity. It is a daily martial custom followed by the security forces of India as well as Pakistan. This custom has been in force since 1959. During the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony, a loud-mouthed parade by the militaries from both the nations takes place. The ceremony ends with a well-coordinated lowering of the flags of both the countries.
The Wagah Border Ceremony is an armed rehearsal carried out by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers. The militaries treat it with absolute significance. It all starts with a parade by the soldiers from both the sides, ending with a synchronized lowering of the flags of both the land. As the sun sets, the iron gate is unlocked, with an infantryman standing with care at both sides of the gate. The flags of India and Pakistan are lowered at the same time and then folded. The ceremony ends with a retreat that includes a brusque handshake between soldiers of both the sides followed by the closing of the gate.
The voice of patriotic slogans, the atmosphere was excited and powerful, the place became so live and full of energy, the weather turned wild. The minute you get in, you will be greeted by loud cheering of "Jai Hind" "Hindustan Zindaabaad" "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" among the many other sayings. The aura of nationalism that runs in the breeze is an experience in itself. The whole ritual lasts for about an hour where militaries from both the countries would perform the closing ceremony. It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries' rivalry, as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.
Watch the ceremony that celebrates rivalry molded in full patriotism on both the sides. Checking this off the list is a must!
The Gates that divide India and Pakistan
Imagine – Not just India and Pakistan but the world without borders
BSF and Pakistani soldiers at the flag lowering ceremony