India-Pakistan: Border Closing Ceremony

Wagah: a surprising ceremony at the only land border post between India and Pakistan

When you think India , we think colors, spices, the beauty of the women dressed in sparkling Saris, but also to a country rich culturally and geographically. A country that never ceases to surprise travelers, an India that is surnamed incredible! Unbelievable is the word that defines the closing ceremony between the Indian and Pakistani borders.

It was in 1947 that everything began when the village of Wagah was cut into two to form the only border post between the two countries. Located about 30 kilometres away Amritsar in the north of Punjab, that every evening for more than 60 years, a martial ceremony takes place.

Attending one of the day-to-day ceremonies represents a great deal for many Indians who have come to lend strength to the army. Many tourists present in the region do not hesitate to come to observe the show as it is surprising!

Imagine a frontier post, equipped on both sides of the bleachers hosting a crowd of spectators in delirium, patriotic chants, bombed torso soldiers, swept eyebrows and finally hosts coming to show! A euphoric crowd, proud to represent his country. For yes, even if the Indian rostrums are much more fulsome, Pakistanis do not dismantle and also execute the parade with dignity.

Soldiers in official outfits march for 45 minutes such as real cocks to intimidate the country from across. It is with great blows of boots and guards to you that the soldiers respond to the orders of the officers by exercising, say a rather amazing parade for Europeans that we are.

An atmosphere of spectacle, an euphoric audience, an official ceremony that is similar to the madness of a football stadium!

Once the handshakes are exchanged between the soldiers of the two countries and the flags descended, the public can in turn celebrate and celebrate its pride in the centre of the stands! The slogans « Hindustan zindabab » ("live India"), resonate with all the Indian supporters who have come to get rid of Bollywood’s rhythms! Soldiers from each country lend themselves to the game by letting themselves photograph themselves, or as a souvenir photo with supporters.

At 6:30 pm, the small Wagah border post is declared closed and will open the next morning at dawn! DVD, CD, flags and other souvenirs are on sale at the edge of the ceremony! Passing to Amritsar don’t miss this closing ceremony which is a completely different face of India as you can imagine! The frenzy of the delirious crowd will certainly take you!

Main photo credit: Flickr – Adam Jones