Wagah Border Amritsar

Wagah Border Amritsar (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Images & Location)

The Wagah Border, which runs along the Grand Trunk Road, separates the Indian and Pakistani borders and is 22 kilometers from Lahore, Pakistan, and 28 kilometers from Amritsar, India. The main event is the daily Wagah Border Ceremony, also known as the Beating Retreat Ceremony. At this border station, Indian and Pakistani soldiers gather every evening shortly before dusk to participate in a 30-minute exhibition of military showmanship and camaraderie.

The lowering of each nations’ flags and the closing of the international gates are part of this ritual. Since 1959, the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force have performed the flag ceremony.

For the thousands of visitors each day, individuals also participate in entertainment as a show of patriotism. The audience participates in Bollywood-style dancing to Hindi songs, waves of clapping, and chanting the Indian national anthem as the ceremony approaches.

History of the Wagah Border Ceremony

The governments of both nations agreed to begin the Wagah Border Ceremony, sometimes called the Beating Retreat Ceremony, in 1959. It represents the rivalry between the two countries as well as their mutual support and fraternity. Over the years, there has been a significant reduction in the hostility and violence between the two nations. Women BSF guards have also participated in this ceremony since July 2011.

Wagah Border Ceremony 

The Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers participate in the Wagah Border Ceremony as part of their military drills. It is taken quite seriously by the soldiers. The soldiers from both sides parade at the start, and the flags of both countries are lowered in unison at the conclusion. An infantryman stands alertly on either side of the iron gate as it is opened as the sun sets. The flags of Pakistan and India are folded after being lowered simultaneously. The ceremony concludes with a retreat in which soldiers from both sides shake hands brusquely before the gate is closed.

The Wagah border is visited by people from both sides. The crowd is more weekend-oriented, with spectators cheering the soldiers as they conduct the ceremony. In order for the attendees to view the ceremony, seating arrangements are enabled. There is a huge gate with the inscription “Swarn Jayanti Dwar” on both sides of the border. Climbing to the top of this gate offers a panoramic view of Wagah. You would get a sense of pride and patriotism after visiting the Wagah Border and witnessing the Beating Retreat event.

Wagah Border Parade Timings 

In the winter, the Beating Retreat Ceremony begins at 4:15 PM, and in the summer, it begins at 5:15 PM. It lasts for almost forty-five minutes. You must arrive at least one hour prior to the event because not everyone can get in. Although the border gate is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can still attend the event without arriving before 3:00 PM.

Tips For Visiting Wagah Border 

1. No cell phone service is accessible in the vicinity of the Wagah Border due to jammers.

2. The entrance gate is extremely crowded, but once you pass through, you are shown to the proper stands. Men must line up on the left and ladies on the right at the admission gate.

3. Appropriate seating is provided for guests. While general seating is available to men, several seats are designated for women. It is built like a stadium throughout. Therefore, regardless of where you end up sitting, you receive a similar view.

4. Foreign visitors have their own stands. Just behind the VIPs, it is the second-best seat. Remember to bring your passport if you are a foreign national in order to claim this seat.

5. You can bring cameras. No matter how big or little your bag is, you are not permitted to carry it. For INR 50, you can rent lockers to store your valuables. They can be found next to the entrance gate.

6. There are food stands near the entrance that provide snacks and bottled drinks.

How To Reach Wagah Border 

The custom station is situated a few hundred meters from the Wagah Border entrance gate. From Amritsar, you can take private buses or taxis that drop you off at the customs office. Additionally, you can book a taxi through the hotel where you are staying, or you can use one of the shared taxis that are accessible at the Golden Temple‘s southeast gate, which cost about INR 120 per person.