Portrait of a bearder Pakistan Ranger before the lowering of the flag ceremony, Wagah border, Pakistan
The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Attari–Wagah border is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) 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 have been described as "colourful". It is both a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, and a display of brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. Similar parades are organised at the Mahavir/Sadqi border near Fazilka, and the Hussainiwala/Ganda Singh Wala border near Firozpur. This ceremony takes place at the Attari–Wagah border, which is part of the Grand Trunk Road. Prior to the opening of the Aman Setu in Kashmir in 1999, it was the only road link between these two countries. It is called the Beating Retreat border ceremony on the international level. The ceremony starts every evening immediately before sunset with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides, and ends with the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags. 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 then 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. In October 2010, Major General Yaqub Ali Khan of the Pakistan Rangers decided that the aggressive aspect of the ceremonial theatrics should be toned down. The soldiers of this ceremony are specially appointed and trained for this auspicious ceremony. They also have a beard and moustache policy for which they are paid additionally.
Size: 3936px × 5905px
Location: Wagah border, Pakistan
Photo credit: © Roberto Cornacchia / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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