The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah border, Punjab, Pakistan
The Wagah border ceremony is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force, BSF) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959. The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance like manoeuvres and raising legs as high as possible, which is "colourful". It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. This ceremony takes place every evening just before sunset at the Wagah border, which is part of the Grand Trunk Road. It starts with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides and ends up in the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags. It is called the Beating Retreat border ceremony on the international level. One infantryman stands at attention on each side of the gate. As the sun sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The flags are folded, and the ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the closing of the gates again. The spectacle of the ceremony attracts many visitors from both sides of the border, as well as international tourists. The soldiers of this ceremony are specially appointed and trained. They have a beard and moustache policy for which they are paid additionally.
Size: 3712px × 5568px
Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Photo credit: © François-Olivier Dommergues / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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