Latest news with #WagahBorderCeremony
India.com
03-07-2025
- India.com
7 Secret Spots In Amritsar To Beat The Heat This Summer — Locals Won't Tell You!
In the morning when sunrays touch street of Amritsar, India that is rich in a population of many travelers it becomes lively. It is a Punjabi city filled with sacredness and history, which explains why many tourists come here. Even though every season has its own flavor and coloration, the charm of summer in this place may not be forgotten. Here are some of the best places that you should consider visiting during summer period. 1. The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib): Take part in an emotional trip to the core of Sikhism by paying a visit to The Golden Temple which is also known as Harmandir Sahib. This holy shrine stands amidst waters of 'the lake of nectar' known as Amrit Sarovar symbolizes tranquility and equality among all religious people. In hot summers you can feel cool marble on your feet while relaxing under divine atmosphere. Observe mesmerizing Palki Sahib ceremony or try langar (a community hall) which will make you feel like nothing else matters apart from seva. 2. Jallianwala Bagh: The place where Indians paid their lives for freedom struggle against British Raj lays silent till today called Jallianwala Bagh or garden. It was formed after British troops shot at unarmed civilians on April 13th ,1919. As you walk around the serene gardens there is still breeze reminding one about sacrifice made for freedom. Marks from bullets and fire burns that never die off on walls suggest the unyielding spirit of Indian nation. 3. Wagah Border Ceremony: Come alive and witness patriotism as never before at Wagah Border Ceremony held daily to mark closing down time for India-Pakistan border. You cannot miss military drill,spectacular lowering of national flags or daring cries such as 'Jai Hind' and 'Pakistan Zindabad' as the sun goes down. Summer nights are filled with life when the two border guards play a friendly games of synchronized movements to bring pride among their audiences. 4. Amritsari Cuisine Trail: Take a culinary trip through the noisy streets of Amritsar which is well-known for its Punjabi Kulcha with Chole, Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag are summer specials that should not be passed. Moreover, do not forget about lassi –cooling yogurt drink, or crispy delight of Amritsari fish perfect for extreme heat. 5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: At Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum you could experience Punjab's remarkable past under Sikh imperia the palace known as Ram Bagh Palace you will find this museum having various displays such as artifacts, arts and weapons related to Maharja Ranjit Singh's reign. It is an ancient gem having magnificent halls and gardens that would take one through Sikh history and culture from one point to another. 6. Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market: Make a spree to those colorful markets of Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh where there are many variations in the colors and smells one can perceive. Busy bazaars, selling phulkari embroidery, handmade juttis, intricate jewellery and aromatic spices have a lot of souvenirs and keepsakes for sale. To beat the heat of summer one may buy refreshing sugarcane juice or maybe have some sweetmeats like jalebi or gulab jamun from local vendors. 7. Ram Tirath Temple: Amongst these places is also Ram Tirath Temple that has ancient legends as well as myths steeped in it. Legend has it the sage Valmiki spent his time writing Ramayana from here; so inside the temple complex there are various shrines devoted to Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. When the sun sets at the horizon, it gives way for calmness in the place which is very ideal for silent meditation activities. In conclusion; Amritsar boasts an array of attractions and cultural gems that make it a captivating blend of spirituality, history and culinary experiences. Although summer means hot temperatures, it also brings with it numerous things that will make an indelible mark on your soul. So be ready to travel by boarding your flight on plane if you want to understand better why Punjabis call their city 'The Pool of Nectar.'
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First Post
25-04-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pahalgam terror attack: Why calls are growing to end Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, some people, including Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, are demanding that the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border be suspended. Here's a look at the choreographed military routine that attracts thousands of spectators daily read more Border Security Force personnel (brown uniform) and Pakistani Rangers (black uniform) takes part in the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border post, in Amritsar, December 18, 2022. File Photo/PTI India and Pakistan have downgraded ties in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. In a tit-for-tat move, both countries have announced several measures against each other, including suspending key treaties. India will also close the Integrated Check Post at the border in Attari, a village in Punjab's Amritsar. Following this, Pakistan announced it would shut the Wagah border, a few kilometres from Lahore, with India. The closure of the international border between the two countries will impact trade and the movement of people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Attari-Wagah border is known for its Beating Retreat Ceremony that draws thousands of visitors every day. However, as anger in India remains high over the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, some have now demanded scrapping the ceremony altogether. What is this ceremony? What is its importance? Let's take a closer look. What's Beating Retreat Ceremony? India and Pakistan have been performing the Attari-Wagah border retreat ceremony daily since 1959. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers carry out a synchronised drill, including high kicks, stomping and energised salutes. Also known as the Wagah Border Ceremony, the choreographed routine begins at 4.30 pm with BSF personnel and Pakistani Rangers marching forward. Their every step conveys power, filling thousands of people who visit the border to witness the ceremony with pride and nationalism. After 20 minutes, soldiers of both nations meet at the border gates, lock their eyes and then shake hands. Indian and Pakistani flags are lowered simultaneously before the sun sets. Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari Border (Photo: PTI) The ceremony first began as a simple military routine for lowering flags, but eventually turned into a theatrical event. 'Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant, daily display of patriotism that subtly reinforces the enmity between the two countries,' according to the independent think tank Lowy Institute. The popular ceremony attracts roughly 25,000 to 50,000 spectators daily. While Indians fill the air with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai!' slogans, nationals on their side of the border shout 'Pakistan Zindabad!' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The drill is symbolic of the rivalry between the two neighbours as well as mutual recognition. The ceremony was toned down in 2010 to reduce hostility by including a formal handshake. Soldiers on both sides of the border also exchange sweets during Eid and Diwali. Similar ceremonies are performed at border points like Hussainiwala near Ferozepur and Sadki near Fazilka in Punjab. Calls to stop the retreat ceremony Some Indians have been demanding an end to the Beating Retreat Ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi is among those calling for stopping the ceremony in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam attack. 'Stop the Beating Retreat ceremony at the India-Aatankistan border. Stop the release of any movie starring Aatankistani actors. Stop any of these cricket matches that we have with Aatankistan — BCCI, it is high time to stand up for the nation over your profits,' the Rajya Sabha MP wrote in a post on X, referring to Pakistan. Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (retired), an expert on Kashmir and military strategy, also objected to the retreat ceremony, terming it 'drama'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This 'nautanki' must stop. This is not a military parade. Beating the Retreat is a very solemn ceremony. Let's not call this drama the Beating Retreat. Jai Hind,' he said on X. On Thursday (April 24), the Border Security Force (BSF) said the retreat ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki borders with Pakistan will be scaled down. It said there will be no handshake and the gates will remain closed during the ceremony. In a post on X, the BSF said that in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a 'calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony' at these borders with Pakistan. 'The key changes include: Suspension of the symbolic handshake of the Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander. Gates to remain closed during the ceremony. This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist,' the statement added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are reports that India could suspend the ceremony entirely. However, it remains to be seen if that happens. With inputs from agencies
NDTV
24-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Why Attari-Wagah Border Matters: Trade, Ceremony And India-Pakistan Ties
New Delhi: India has initiated a series of measures against Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. On April 23, the Ministry of External Affairs declared the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border. What Happens At The Attari-Wagah Border? The Attari-Wagah Border is the international border between India and Pakistan, located near the towns of Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan. It is most famous for the Wagah Border Ceremony (Beating Retreat Ceremony), a daily military practice that takes place before sunset. Each evening, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers perform a synchronised drill marked by high-kicking marches, powerful salutes and the lowering of their respective national flags. The event attracts large crowds on both sides, who cheer on their forces with patriotic fervour. While ceremonious in nature, the drill is steeped in symbolism, representing both rivalry and mutual recognition. The border also becomes a space for shared gestures during festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Independence Day, where soldiers from both sides exchange sweets and greetings, offering glimpses of goodwill amid geopolitical tensions. History Of The Attari-Wagah Border The border crossing lies along the historic Grand Trunk Road, one of South Asia's oldest and most significant trade routes. Prior to the Partition of 1947, the cities of Amritsar and Lahore flourished as twin economic centres within the undivided Punjab. After independence, the dividing line between India and Pakistan cut through this historic corridor, with the Attari-Wagah checkpoint emerging as the most prominent land connection between the two nations. The border's Indian side is situated in the village of Attari, once home to General Sham Singh Attariwala, an important figure in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's military command. The daily Beating Retreat Ceremony has been organised since 1959. Why The Attari-Wagah Border Is Important The Attari-Wagah border holds substantial economic and logistical importance. It is India's first and only operational land port with Pakistan and serves as a vital conduit for trade and connectivity between the two countries. According to reports, through this checkpoint, India exports commodities such as vegetables, soy products and plastic materials, while importing dry fruits, rock salt, cement and other goods primarily routed from Afghanistan via Pakistan. The Attari check post is also a part of the Asian Highway Network, making it a strategic component of transcontinental connectivity. How Movement Through the Attari-Wagah Border Is Suspended Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attacks, the Attari-Wagah border crossing is among the first to be affected as ties between India and Pakistan worsen. Suspension of movement is usually enforced through orders from the Ministry of External Affairs in India or equivalent agencies in Pakistan. Trade, passenger services and public ceremonies can be halted with immediate effect. On April 23, India shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari. All visas issued to Pakistani citizens under the current scheme have been revoked, and those presently in India have been instructed to leave within 48 hours. In addition, Pakistani nationals who recently entered India on valid travel documents must return by May 1, 2025. India may also suspend the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari border, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, as per reports.
