Wagah, the last border post for India is a tourist destination for its flamboyant "beating the retreat"(where soldiers retire for the day after lowering of the flags- an international practice) ceremony every evening, when the border gates are opened on each side for a specified amount of time and the every sentry from both countries put up a parade display, each trying to outdo the other country in terms of flamboyance and excellence. Every sentry in the parade is handpicked keeping in mind the flamboyance and display of might displayed by either country.The Sentries are exceptionally tall and imposing with terrific personas.
The distance to Wagah from Amritsar is around 30 kms and is well connected by public transport.
Pashatuks went by their own conveyance, which wasnt a very good idea as the designated parking for common tourists is quite a walk from the place of the event.
As we inched closer to the border, the scenario grew more dusty and rugged. Huge signboards claiming that we were reaching the border, hawkers on both sides of the dusty road peddling their wares in the typical bollywood film mode put us on an imagination overdrive with the adrenalin pumping. The imagination started looking for infiltrators. Cold logic made the soul sad that the same people, having the same culture, same language are now divided by a border and not accessible to each other. Multiple layers of electrified wires on both side of road are placed to ensure that there is no crossing over without proper documentation. Thats what politics do to any nation.
There are galleries built both sides of the stretch where "beating the retreat" takes place and the parade on the Indian side was led by these two young soldiers , both over 6 feet. It was enthralling to see the feet move upto nearly 6 feet in unison as the crowds went wild cheering "Bharat mata ki jai" and similar cheers could be heard from the other side.What you see in the picture below is the gates that open out at the designated time when the parade starts.The Indian side looks elegant and quiet while the Pakistan gates grand.
All too soon the parade was over and we all hit back for the parking lot,feeling distinctly patriotic and in sync with the armed forces. The walk back made us realise how fortunate we are to be living in the largest democracy of the world and instilled a sense of pride within us.
A few things to keep in mind if you want a good experience of this show- avoid all national holidays if you can. We went on the weekend of Easter and it seemed as if there were waves of humanity flowing.
However since we were guests of the state machinery, we were guided to premium seats and managed to catch the show.
If one has to go on national holidays make sure you have VIP seats allocated to you well in advance and make sure sure you reach early.Because VIP seats or not the moment the crowds swell,it becomes a free for all.
We were told that the version of this parade at the Ferozepur border was probably better and grander- but for Pashatuks its still hearsay. Till such time , we see it with our own eyes we reserve our comments on it
The distance to Wagah from Amritsar is around 30 kms and is well connected by public transport.
Pashatuks went by their own conveyance, which wasnt a very good idea as the designated parking for common tourists is quite a walk from the place of the event.
As we inched closer to the border, the scenario grew more dusty and rugged. Huge signboards claiming that we were reaching the border, hawkers on both sides of the dusty road peddling their wares in the typical bollywood film mode put us on an imagination overdrive with the adrenalin pumping. The imagination started looking for infiltrators. Cold logic made the soul sad that the same people, having the same culture, same language are now divided by a border and not accessible to each other. Multiple layers of electrified wires on both side of road are placed to ensure that there is no crossing over without proper documentation. Thats what politics do to any nation.
All too soon the parade was over and we all hit back for the parking lot,feeling distinctly patriotic and in sync with the armed forces. The walk back made us realise how fortunate we are to be living in the largest democracy of the world and instilled a sense of pride within us.
A few things to keep in mind if you want a good experience of this show- avoid all national holidays if you can. We went on the weekend of Easter and it seemed as if there were waves of humanity flowing.
However since we were guests of the state machinery, we were guided to premium seats and managed to catch the show.
If one has to go on national holidays make sure you have VIP seats allocated to you well in advance and make sure sure you reach early.Because VIP seats or not the moment the crowds swell,it becomes a free for all.
We were told that the version of this parade at the Ferozepur border was probably better and grander- but for Pashatuks its still hearsay. Till such time , we see it with our own eyes we reserve our comments on it
I am proud to be an Indian, BHARAT MATA KI JAI
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