#xplorebharat boarding from Attari-Wagah Border

Proudly and Happily giving Green signal to #XploreBharat Blog Train hosted by #BlogBoosterIndia team.  So recently we all celebrated 70th Republic day, saw the beating retreat and to keep up with this spirit what better way than we can take you all to Attari–Wagah Border known for its world-famous Attari–Wagah Border Ceremony. My memory to this place dates back to when I went to Amritsar from Pathankot on bike yes bike almost 100kms just for this. Reason well may be the patriotism or enthusiasm or madness of my rider to whom I was a  pillion rider then.

Attari–Wagah Border

Wagah or Wagha is a border town situated on the line between India & Pakistan, 27 km from Amritsar on the Indian side and 29 km from the town of Lahore. This is the only crossing point between Pakistan and India that is regularly open to foreigners. The Samjhauta Express train from Lahore to Delhi passes through Wagah. The last station on the Indian side is Attari.

Wagah border is the popular name for the Indian check post on the border, which lies on the Grand Trunk Road. Attari–Wagah Border use to be a prime trade border since old times. Lahore used to be the trade city and Amritsar use to be the cultural city of erstwhile Punjab. They were then part of Punjab province.

The Attari–Wagah Border Flag ceremony

Every day of the year, just before sunset, a flag lowering ceremony takes place at the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan. The Attari–Wagah Border ceremony, formally known as Beating the Retreat, is a popular tourist attraction. Full of enthusiasm it’s a must visit place whenever visiting Amritsar.
The ceremony of lowering of flags is a daily military practice that the security forces of India and pakistan have jointly followed since 1959. It starts with high patriotic spirits from sides of the border.

The Soldiers

The ceremony is performed by soldiers of the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers. It involves much planning and coordination between the two countries. The soldiers are specially appointed and trained for the performance.
Soldiers march towards the gate at the border, which is thrown open when they reach there. The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid manoeuvre movements and raising legs as high as possible.  The soldiers salute each other and start lowering the flags at the same time. The soldiers retrieve and fold the flags, the gate slams shut, and a trumpet sounds the end of the ceremony. The soldiers then return with their country’s respective flag.

The Attari–Wagah Border Gate

The two countries are separated by two heavy gates set a couple of meters apart. The gates are closed well before the ceremony starts in the evening, and are opened briefly at sunset to allow for the flags to be lowered.

The place is an instant shot of patriotism. It has a stadium kind of infrastructure where you sit and cheer up your soldiers during the gate opening and closing ceremonies in the border between India and Pakistan. The experience is overwhelming and the vibe of this place is just amazing.

It is said the border crossing draws its name from Wagah village, near which the Radcliffe Line, the boundary demarcation line dividing India and Pakistan upon the Partition of British India, was drawn.

Beating the Retreat

The Beating Retreat Ceremony starts every evening immediately before sunset at 4:15 PM in winter and 5:15 PM in summer. It lasts for about 45 minutes. It’s better to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony.

The loud cheer of Vande matram, you can feel patriotism in the air. Once in your life, you should visit this amazing place. Energetic and filled with positive energy & also gives you goosebumps. The moment and decorum of the place are fabulous. Gates opening, hands shaking, randomly picked ladies doing flag march, patriotic songs etc.

The Patriotism

The place brings out the patriotism from deep within the hearts of people from both the countries cheering, clapping and shouting together showing their collective love and passion for their respective soldiers performing with utmost pride and respect for their nations. The soldiers of both India and Pakistan show their spirits.

Pic credit -Ujjwala

From the Indian side, the entry is free, but however, people have to walk some distance before reaching the gallery. The place is well organized in terms of providing visitors with the basic facilities like Ample parking space, water, washrooms etc., also there are many shops to provide the buyers with refreshments.

The process is displayed live on big screens also so even getting the back seat won’t be a disappointment. It’s a truly amazing experience. The crowd, The energy, The patriotic feeling, The display of strength, It’s truly amazing!

Pic credit – Sonali

When you reach there, you are not from any region or religion or state or district, the moment you step there you are filled with the feeling of being a Proud Indian. The josh is filled in by default and I’m sure at the end if asked to any Indian there if he can go and save the nation in any form the answer will be “Yes” in a louder and stronger tone.
One of the most energetic places in India. The people also show their support to their respective army personnel and the event is very awesome. Forget all concerts, this ceremony will give you the goosebumps you can’t imagine. The Enthusiasm here will blow your mind. Must go once in a lifetime for every Indian.

Filled with loads of feeling I also enjoyed The Sun at the retreat which was so enchanting worth the capture and finally, the day said goodbye on an emotional note.

Proud participant and host of #Xplorebharat with #BlogBoosterIndia blog train.

This post is a part of the #XploreBharat Blog Train hosted by Aditi, Esha, Maheshwaran, PraGun, Preeti, Saba, Sanjota, Sonia, Sudip, Suhasini, Supriya

“Today the #XploreBharat Blog Train has come to Wagah with a Green signal for it’s successful and Happy Journey. The next stop of this #XploreBharat Blog Train will be Delhi with Maheshwaran.” Till then have a stay at Attari–Wagah Border and roam with us.
For more Incredible india’s destinations check out BlogBoosterIndia page.

A big shout out to our sponsors KAIV and FABZANIA for taking this Blog Train experience even further.
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