Our final stop in a long day is the Wagah border closing 'lowering of the flags ceremony, or The Beating Retreat ceremony. It is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed nightly since 1959. The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like maneuvers. It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries' rivalry, as well as a brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.
It is sorta like half time at a football game. On the Pakistani side there are two grandstands, one for women, one for men. (Most in Pakistan are Muslin, most in India are Hindu). Our side has one big set of bleachers, but they are constructing another to double the capacity. Before the actual ceremony begins, there is flag waving and cheers on the Pakistani side, and dancing on the India side. Gloria joined the ladies dancing. Yo!
Note the security people around the dancers
The Indian Side
The Pakistani Side
All the Indian military were chosen with two criteria: that had to be at least 6’4” tall, and had to be able to kick above their heads. Really…..
The Pakistani Military through the open gate.
The ceremony ends with the concurrent lowering of the flags, a brisk handshake and the closing of the gates. Quite a daily spectacle.
It is sorta like half time at a football game. On the Pakistani side there are two grandstands, one for women, one for men. (Most in Pakistan are Muslin, most in India are Hindu). Our side has one big set of bleachers, but they are constructing another to double the capacity. Before the actual ceremony begins, there is flag waving and cheers on the Pakistani side, and dancing on the India side. Gloria joined the ladies dancing. Yo!
Note the security people around the dancers
The Indian Side
The Pakistani Side
All the Indian military were chosen with two criteria: that had to be at least 6’4” tall, and had to be able to kick above their heads. Really…..
The Pakistani Military through the open gate.
The ceremony ends with the concurrent lowering of the flags, a brisk handshake and the closing of the gates. Quite a daily spectacle.
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