Wagah Border Amritsar

 

A trip to Amritsar must include a visit to the Wagah Border of India. It’s the boundary separating India from its neighbour Pakistan. And every evening, at sunset, a flag ceremony is held here, following which the gates are closed for the day.

This Wagah Border Retreat ceremony is no less spellbinding than a theatrical play. Soldiers march in sync and bring down the national flag ritualistically.

Before the event, women and kids dance to patriotic songs, increasing the nationalistic fervour among the spectators. From shouts of patriotism to the display of army discipline, Wagah Beating Retreat Ceremony is a moving event.

Thousands of people, including foreign nationals, line up at Wagah Border Attari to watch the show. It’s a show of national pride, and also a source of entertainment for everyone.

 

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 Ceremony Details

 

The Wagah Border parade ceremony is a 30-minute event. The event begins with a parade. It’s performed by soldiers of both countries: The Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers. Soldiers march by lifting their legs as high as possible.

The soldiers for Wagah Border march past are carefully chosen. And they’re trained specially for the Beating Retreat ceremony. Each soldier treats it with absolute seriousness and keeps their movements coordinated.

The ceremony is an elaborate show of power and friendship. Prior to it, women and children wave the national flag and dance to patriotic songs. Spectators cheer them with loud calls of “Jai Hind” and “Vande Mataram.”

And following the parade, the flags of both nations are lowered in perfect sync. As the flags are lowered and folded, the border gate is opened.

The ceremony ends with a brief handshake between soldiers from both sides. Then, the gate, and thus the border, is formally closed until sunrise. People stand in their place to sing the National Anthem and applaud the army. You can feel a sense of pride filling the environment.

 

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.