There is always a question in your mind when you think about visiting Amritsar, what happens at the Wagah border? Wagah Border Amritsar holds significant value in our country as it acts like a road link between the two countries (India and Pakistan). From the time of independence and partition, the Wagah Border near Amritsar was marked as a boundary line between India and Pakistan. With time, it gained popularity among tourists and became a top attraction for travelers. Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony which takes place here every evening after sunset is the main highlight of the place.
There is more about Wagah, which includes its rich history and its eye-catching appeal. Here are some interesting facts and other important details about the Wagah Border that you should know before booking your tickets.
WAGAH BORDER’S FORMATION, HISTORY, AND BACKGROUND
Wagah Border is based around 32 km away from Amritsar. It gets its name from Wagah, a village in Pakistan that is situated on the Grand Trunk Road from Amritsar and Lahore. During the time of partition, Punjab was divided between these two countries, and the Radcliffe Line, or the boundary line dividing India and Pakistan was drawn here only. It was named after the village where it is located and hence is called Wagah Border.
During the partition of India and Pakistan, citizens of both countries used this line to cross the border to travel to Pakistan from India and India from Pakistan. This border has closely witnessed the biggest migration ever happening in Indian history.
Since 1959, India and Pakistan have been organizing flag-lowering ceremonies on Wagah Border as a daily ritual. Then in August 2017, India built a 110-meter flagpole in Attari, the Indian side of the Wagah Border. In reply, Pakistan appeared with a 122-meter flagpole on the Indian side of the border. This is the highest one in the country and the one in Pakistan is considered to be the tallest one in South Asia.
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Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony
The Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony also referred to as Beating Retreat Ceremony, takes place where flags are lowered on both sides of the border gate. In 1959, this ceremony was started by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) as a symbol of cooperation and brotherhood between the two countries. Later, Pakistan adopted it and Pakistan Rangers began conducting this military practice too.
During the ceremony, a 30-minute drill happens in which the activity of lowering the national flags and formally closing the border between the two nations till sunrise takes place.
It begins with a military parade which is done by soldiers on both sides of the border. At the time of the ceremony, visitors often sing the national anthem and dance before the ceremony begins.
After this, the opening of the iron gates at the border takes place, as does the lowering of the national flags on both sides. Flags are taken down and folded and after the flags are folded, soldiers from both sides walk towards each other and shake hands and the iron gates are closed, marking the end of the ceremony.
The ceremony draws thousands of tourists across the world. People come to witness the fusion of two countries that have been together for centuries. Due to this ceremony, Wagah Border is one of the top places to visit in Amritsar.
The area where the function is organized has been built like a stadium and has seating arrangements for tourists. The women guards of India’s Border Security Force have been a part of the ceremony since 2011.
Surroundings of Wagah Border
Wagah Border is based near BSF and the entire area around the border is very colorful. Other than patriotism, this is why Wagah Border ranks among the top things to do in Amritsar. Wagah Border is not a mere border ceremony but a symbol of national pride, considering the history of the two countries.
Along with Wagah Border, there are many other places to visit like Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh, The Partition Museum, Akal Takht, and Gobindgarh Fort, etc.
History That is Etched in The Minds
Wagah Border represents the country’s history, tradition, and culture, and the Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony will be an excellent experience for any traveler. So if you are planning to make a trip then include this place in your list too.
