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An Ode to Friendship and Peace: The Flag Retreat Ceremonies of India

The Atari-Wagah Border of Amritsar is famous for its awe-inspiring Wagah Beating Retreat Ceremony. The soldiers marching in perfect synchronization, women and children dancing to patriotic songs, and the ritualistic lowering of the Indian flag makes the audience leave the site in a patriotic fervor. However, the Beating Retreat ceremony is not performed only at the Wagah Border. Here are five other places where one can witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony. 

Nadabet, Gujarat
Located 25 km inside the gate to the Indo-Pak border, Nadabet offers various attractions to visitors. The base offers an opportunity to witness the workings of a BSF (Border Security Force) up close. The Seema Darshan Retreat Parade Ceremony involves the BSF Jawans marching in a dazzling display of discipline to end another day of successfully guarding the international border. Alongside the parade in the evening, Nadabet base camp offers various other adventure activities to visitors such as paintball, freefall, rock climbing, etc. The visiting timings for the border are 9 AM to 4 PM. The Parade is conducted at sunset. A nominal entry fee of INR 100 is charged for adults and INR 50 for children above the age of 2 years. Videography is prohibited after the T- Junction. To visit the international border, visitors must obtain a special permit at the T-Junction. You will need to present the AADHAR cards of all visiting individuals. Foreign tourists must carry their passports and VISA documentation at all times when visiting Nadabet.

Sadqi, Fazilka, Punjab
About 13 km from Fazilka, Sadqi is a checkpoint on the international Indo-Pak border. Sadqi is to be the third one to join the joint checkpoints to hold a joint retreat ceremony involving both BSF Jawans and Pakistan rangers. A visit to this border in Punjab is sure to provide individuals with a fresh perspective on the relations between the countries. The retreat ceremony, though not as grand as the one held at the Wagah border, is a sight to behold. It is a less pompous affair. The soldiers do not cross the Zero Line to shake hands or ceremoniously close any gates. The flags are lowered to signify yet another day of protecting the border. The timings of the ceremony differ according to the month. There is no entry fee and seats are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis

Hussainiwala Border, Punjab
100 feet away from the Zero line, the Hussainiwala border in Ferozepur comes alive with cheers for the soldiers from both sides of the line. The retreat ceremony lasts for 40 minutes. This site holds much historical significance. It was previously part of Pakistan. In 1962, India offered 12 villages in exchange for this land. The Indian government then proceeded to construct memorials of Shaihd Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. These monuments were stolen during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and are yet to be returned by the Pakistan government. Initially, this site did not host any flag retreating ceremonies. It was in 1970 that  Inspector General BSF, Ashwani Kumar Sharma implored authorities on both sides of the border to start this tradition and it has continued ever since. The ceremony is hosted every evening at 6 PM and entry is free of cost.

Agartala, Tripura
Approximately 6 km from the center of Agartala, BSF Jawans and the soldiers of Bangladesh participate in the flag retreat ceremony with pride. This ceremonious display of patriotism leaves the spectators wanting more every single time. The atmosphere is peaceful yet energetic. Unlike at the Wagah border, individuals are allowed to interact with the soldiers and citizens from the opposite side of the border. Of course, people cannot cross the border into the other country without appropriate documentation. Regardless, the environment is warm, welcoming, and full of nationalistic currents. The parade takes place at approximately 4.30 PM and there is no entry fee. 

Petrapole, West Bengal
Accompanied by the songs of Bangladeshi poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and India’s Rabindranath Tagore, the patriotic atmosphere at Petrapole is simply electrifying. BSF Jawans and their counterpart soldiers from Border Guard Bangladesh approach the Zero Line simultaneously. This cordial parade celebrates the friendship between Bangladesh and India in a very zealous manner. The soldiers approach their counterparts and shake their hands as a symbol of amity between the two countries. The parade starts at sunset and lasts for 20 minutes. Entry is free of charge for all visitors.

First started in the 1950s, the idea of the Beating Retreat Ceremony was conceived by Major G.A. Roberts. The idea was brought into existence when Queen Elizabeth II visited India for the first time after she achieved Swaraj. This historical tradition has been practiced ever since to signify the drawing back of parading soldiers.

Which one is in your next travel list to witness the ceremony of our proud nation?