History of Wagah Border Ceremony
The Wagah Border Ceremony, more popularly known as Beating Retreat Ceremony, was started in 1959 and it was agreed by the government of both the countries. It is a symbol of the rivalry between the two nations, as well as the cooperation and brotherhood of both the nations. The aggression and anger between both the 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.
The Proceedings of Wagah Border Ceremony
The Wagah Border Ceremony is a military practice carried out by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers. The soldiers treat it with absolute seriousness. It begins with a parade by the soldiers from both the sides, ending with a coordinated lowering of the flags of both the nation. As the sun sets, the iron gate is opened, with an infantryman standing in attention at both sides of the gate. The flags of India and Pakistan are lowered simultaneously and then folded. The ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers of both the sides followed by the closing of the gate.
The ceremony attracts a huge crowd consisting of children, elderly people, and foreigners. The build-up to the ceremony is a grand spectacle with shouts of patriotism to a thunderous round of applause and dancing. The soldiers for Wagah Border Ceremony are specially appointed and trained. They are required to have a proper beard and oiled moustache for which they are paid additionally. The ceremony is conducted every day with great pomp and splendour.
Wagah Border Timing
The Beating Retreat Ceremony starts at 4:15 PM in winter and 5:15 PM in summer. It lasts for about 45 minutes. Not everyone can get in, so you need to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony. The border gate remains open from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, but you don't need to arrive before 3:00 PM to witness the ceremony.
How to Reach Wagah Border
The custom post is located a few hundred meters away from the entrance gate to the Wagah Border. You can take taxis or private buses from Amritsar that drop you off at the customs post. You can also arrange for a taxi with the hotel you are staying in, or you can opt for the shared taxis that are available at the southeast gate of theGolden Templewhich costs around INR 120 per person.
The cheapest option to reach Wagah Border is the buses that run to Attari from Amritsar and cost INR 30 per hour. However, you will need to travel by an auto from the bus stand to the custom post. Some local buses run to Amritsar from the custom post directly after the ceremony gets over.
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Tips
1. There are jammers in the areas surrounding the Wagah Border, and thus no mobile phone services are available.
2. There is a mad rush at the entrance gate but once you get through you are taken to the appropriate stands. At the entrance gate, women must queue on the right and men on the left.
3. Proper seating arrangements are made for the visitors. Select seats are reserved for women, while general seating is allowed for the men. The entire place is constructed like a stadium. So, you get a similar view irrespective of where you happen to get a seat.
4. There are separate stands for the foreign tourists. It is the second-best seat, just behind the VIPs. If you are a foreign national, don't forget to carry your passport to claim this seat.
5. Cameras are permitted. You are not allowed to carry bags, whether large or small. Lockers are available to keep your belongings at the cost of INR 50. They are available beside the entrance gate.
6. Food stalls are also located close to the entrance which serves bottled water and some snacks.
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