The border closing ceremony between the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) is a unique experience that is without any comparable rivals.
Held daily since 1959, the ceremony takes place every evening before sunset at the Wagah border ā just outside of Amritsar, Punjab.
With free admission (aside from transport) the ceremony attracts enormous crowds of both locals, tourists and foreigners; however, on the Pakistani side, the crowds is a much more humble gathering.
The festivities begin with dancing on the Indian side prior to the official ceremony with women of all ages partaking in the celebrations.
The ceremony commences with a roistering parade by soldiers on both sides of the border with theatrics that would have Monty Python eating his heart out.
Proud peacocks ruffling feathers could not compete with what is going on at ground level in a display of exaggerated marching, high legs kicks, stares and other highly coordinated manoeuvres.
The finale takes places at sundown when the respective flags of each country is lowered, folded and paraded to a designated storage facility with a brief aphoristic handshake between soldiers on both sides.
It truly is a spectacle unlike any other I’ve witnessed before in my life.
So entertaining! Thanks for sharing great photos š
saw this only in this blog!
Cool, daily partying…so festive atmosphere.
I’m wondering why the kicks are so high though. Hehehe!!
Would love to see this myself.
Really entertaining. Loved seeing this full write up on the ceremony, and the vids are a real bonus. I didnāt know women soldiers took part.
Pankaj, I think a lot of people were surprised that women soldiers took part in the ceremony. Apparently that’s only been happening in recent years.
I love that first photo! Such a strong photo to start the piece with
Thanks Caz, it was a tricky photo to get but after several attempts I finally I got it š
How interesting! I am much too lazy to plan or participate in something like this š
It does take a little planning to get there but once you’ve arrived it’s well worth the efforts š
I was really enjoying watching the videos. I can’t imagine how truly fascinating this would be in real life. What a show both sides put on! They do know how to party, at the very least.
Sherry, they really do no how to party! It’s an event that’s really quite unlike any other I’ve ever seen. It felt like a sporting event in sudden death š
Shit, dude that is SO cool! Great photos too…
HA, thanks – I ended up going twice I enjoyed it so much.
i like the Indian ladies here! this is one great ceremony… nice photos š
Thanks, it certainly is quite the ceremony!
Most intimidating military dress in the world? I think so!
I love the head-dressing
I had no idea this existed. Really cool experience!
Thank you! It’s well worth a visit for anybody stationed in Amritsar.
Unbelievably cool! This sounds awesome š
Thanks Margo, it was! It was such a spectacle I had to see it twice š
I have heard and seen so much about this that I can’t wait to see it myself. You just reminded me that I have to go to India- asap.
Thanks Federico, I’m often reminded of how much I want to go back! š Good luck making that a reality soon.
I have never heard of this, sounds awesome.
It is/was quite awesome! š
Cool pics and videos. You can really see that left over british influence mixed with with Indian/Pakistani beats. Looks like a good party. I love some of the background music you have in your videos. Could you recommend me some artists?
Leif, off the top of my head I’d go check out Punjabi MC – he’s got some cool beats.
Very cool – we should do this on the US-Canadian border. š
LOL, that would be a blast!
I’ve never heard anything about this! I’ll be in India next month, in the northern part, too, but sadly I won’t get nearly this far as we’re just there for six days.
Oh, that’s too bad š If you ever get a chance to go it’s well worth it in my opinion. I ended up going twice!
Wow. This is intense for a border closing! LOL!
It definitely is! It’s so intense it’s comical š
A border closing ceremony? Sounds like two groups of people who love any excuse to party =)
Andrea, it’s definitely that kind of atmosphere – like a sporting event š
This looks really Rad- never heard of a border crossing ceremony before. Great photos and videos!
Thanks Grace, aside from this one I’m not aware of any others.
I can’t believe they do that every night. Wow.
LOL, neither can I! I did enjoy it though as it was quite the spectacle.
Love the films – its my aim to see this in May next year. Wanting to fulfull a dream to watch it!
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That’s pretty cool, and those are some high kicks!
I wish I could kick like that! Looks like a finishing move for video game š
Wow, really surprising to see the women soldiers! Never even knew about this! Great videos.
Apparently, women have only been part of the parade quite recently!
Haha wicked. Absolute madness that it is done every day but very cool as well. I love pompous ceremonies for no apparent reason.
LOL, yeah I can’t believe they do it everyday as well. It was packed both times I went!
thanks for sharing man… now im so decided to include pakistan for next year… (hopefully) starting in this border…
Flip, it would be cool if you went to Pakistan. I would recommend Bangladesh as well.
A friend of mine saw this a couple of months ago and the photos were similar — looks amazing!
Raymond, it’s quite the spectacle! I ended up going twice…LOL
Really entertaining. Loved seeing this full write up on the ceremony, and the vids are a real bonus. I didn’t know women soldiers took part.
Thanks Jim, apparently they’ve only recently been taking part.
This is probably my favorite post of yours that you have done. I like how you used the two videos to compliment the write up. This is something I really need to see. I love how they do such a dramatic build up and then it ends with a modest handshake. Very telling and very powerful.
Thanks Ted! It’s one of the more vivid memories I have of my time in India & that’s saying a lot!
SO cool! I never heard of this before. Thanks for sharing!
Ah, you’re welcome! It’s quite the experience.