Wagah Border
Going to the City of Gardens, you can’t miss the fantastic military parade at the Wagah Border. India and Pakistan’s history forever binds these two countries in rivalry. Millions of people moved from India to Pakistan after Pakistan gained independence, making them a separate group of voters.
One main path that connects these two detached countries is the Wagah border, and every year on Independence Day, there’s a famous parade held here called the Wagah Border Parade.
In India, the Wagah border is about 24 km from Lahore and 32 km from Amritsar. It is one of the famous places for travelers, especially those from other countries. It is estimated that it may take about 40 to 50 minutes for you to reach there, depending upon the traffic saturation in Lahore.
The Wagah-Attari Border is located on the GT road between Lahore and Amritsar. There is only one open area along the Pakistan-India border. Also, almost all the goods that move between the two countries go through this site.
History of the Wagah Border
The Wagah Border Ceremony, also known as the Beating Retreat Ceremony, was initiated in 1959 with the agreement of both countries governments. It symbolizes the competition between the two nations and their cooperation and brotherhood. Hostility and anger between the two countries have decreased considerably over the years. Since July 2011, female BSF guards have also participated in this ceremony.
Attractions offered by Wagah Border
The Wagah Border offers a lot of attractions for both locals and tourists. So, here is the list of attractions.
Gate-Opening Ceremony
If you want to see and enjoy the process, you must be there before 3:00 PM. The ceremony starts with the opening of the gates of both countries.
Several hours before the ceremony, excited spectators trickle into seating areas on either side of the massive iron gates separating the nuclear-armed Asian adversaries at the Attari-Wagah border.
Indian and Pakistani flags flutter on enormous poles as energetic masters of ceremony and ear-splitting nationalistic songs rile up the crowds, which are so close they can see the faces of people on the other side.
Also, on the Indian side, there is space available for over 250,000 spectators, who chant “India Zindabad” as a group of women perform with flags and dance wildly to a patriotic playlist.
The soldiers arrive, kicking up to the gate with their legs kicked up—the Indians in red-fanned hats and khaki uniforms, the Pakistanis in dapper black.
When the gates open, the climax occurs. A tall Pakistani soldier twirls his mustache with menacing intent and flexes his biceps while tall Indian soldiers stand mere inches away.
Flag Lowering Ceremony at Wagah Border
The Wagah Border Ceremony begins thirty minutes before sunset, with black-uniformed border guards executing impressive high-kicks in front of a roaring crowd while performing a drill.
The security guards on both sides of the border then open the gate and simultaneously lower and fold the flags of both countries. This is followed by a handshake and a retreating formation of soldiers. The closing of the massive iron gates signifies the conclusion of the ceremony.
The duration of the Wagah Border Gate Opening Ceremony is approximately 45 minutes.
Interesting Fact: The Pakistani flagpole at Wagah is 400 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in the area. In contrast, the one installed by India in Attari is approximately 360 feet tall.
Cultural Program by Local Folk Dancers (bhangra)
During the parade, you will experience cultural programs by the local folk dancers like bhangra. It represents the liveliness and dynamism of Punjabi culture.
Parade March at Wagah Border
The Wagah border ceremony is conducted by Pakistan Rangers officers who march in front of a large crowd while patriotic music plays in the background.
However, this is not merely a display of pomp and bravado. The ceremony represents the rivalry and companionship between the two nations, as soldiers from both countries shake hands before closing the border gate after the flag-lowering ceremony.
The impressive parade also reminds the general public of the sacrifices made by the military to protect our nation’s sovereignty.
Walking along the premises to see Indian citizens who are only a few steps away
In addition to viewing the famous Pakistan Rangers parade and taking photographs in front of the gate separating Pakistan and India, visitors can also take a short stroll around the grounds. Walking along the white ropes denoting the zero-line, you can see Indian citizens standing just a few steps away on their side of the border.
Alongside the seating area in Quaid-e-Azam Park’s beautiful, manicured garden is a wall displaying the names, photographs, and accomplishments of all the martyrs awarded the Nishan-e-Haider. It is the highest military valour award in Pakistan, and its Urdu name translates to “Lion’s Emblem.” So far, ten courageous people who died for their beliefs have been given it.
The Azadi Museum at Wagah Border
However, the Pakistan Rangers’ magnificent Azadi Museum is one of the most popular attractions at the Wagah Border. General Umar Farooq Burki, the former director general of the Pakistan Rangers Punjab, opened the museum in 2017. It gets a lot of visitors every day before the parade.
Near Bab-e-Azadi, the Azadi Museum displays images depicting the history of Pakistan Rangers and the sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement. It provides visitors with access to a media library to learn more about our nation’s history.
This museum is a must-see for all history buffs, even though Lahore is home to many famous museums.
How to Reach Wagah Boarder?
There are numerous ways to see the Wagah Border Lahore Parade. Among them are the few listed below.
Hire a Cab to Wagah Border
There are numerous taxi services where you can easily reserve a ride to the most popular tourist destination, the border. Prices will undoubtedly vary based on location.
Tour operators and origins
Multiple tour groups and organizations facilitate tourist visits to the Wagah border by organizing guided bachelor and family trips. Google provides numerous contacts and websites for tour organizations and groups.
Double Decker Bus Service
A double-decker bus service is an initiative of the Punjab government to promote tourism in Pakistan. This service began operating on December 9, 2017. The bus departs the Qaddafi Stadium Terminal daily at 2:30 PM. and returns at 6:00 PM. after viewing the spell-bonding ceremony at the Wagah border. Bus stops at various locations, such as Boulevard, Ring Road, Lahore Canal, GT Canal, and Wagah border. Additionally, a single bus can transport up to sixty passengers per round. The return journey is filled with excitement and adventure. A traveler can visit 36 of Lahore’s most famous tourist attractions in a single trip while using the bus’s complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Lahore-Wagah Shuttle for Wagah Border
Pakistan Railways has reinstated the Lahore-Wagah shuttle train service after a 22-year hiatus. Rail Car, The Shuttle, provides a convenient service for visitors and tourists who wish to observe the chauvinistic Wagah Border Lahore parade for only 30 PKR.
The shuttle makes three daily round-trip stops at Jallo Park, Moghalpura, and Harbanspura stations.
In addition, Pakistan Railways has recently renovated three passenger coaches to benefit tourists and visitors. It can accommodate 181 passengers at a time.
Wagah Border Ticket price
One of its most appealing aspects is that the Lahore parade is free. Observing the flag-lowering ceremony and participating in the celebration is free of charge. Visitors must present their National Identity Card or an equivalent form of identification to gain access to the premises. Likewise, Foreign nationals are required to bring their passports. However, one must arrive early to secure the best seats.
Wagah Border Timings
Wagah Border Parade timings range with the season as it’s held each day before sunset.
Wagah Border Parade Timings at some point in Winter: 4:30 p.m.
Parade Border Parade Timings at some point in Summer: 5:30 p.m.
The seating regions at Wagah Border are divided into the following categories:
- An enclosure for male visitors
- An enclosure for female visitors
- VIP enclosure (non-segregated)
- VVIP enclosure (non-segregated)
- Seating location for foreigners, delegates, and authorities personnel
Since you can’t retain your seats in advance, you must preferably arrive in the vicinity an hour before the parade starts. During the weekend, you must try to reach Wagah Border at least an hour and a 1/2 of earlier than the ceremony because it tends to get extraordinarily crowded.
Location and Contact Info
Address: Wagah border, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
Contact Info: 042-37172503
Conclusions
The Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony represents India and Pakistan’s cooperation and brotherhood. Those who have attended the ceremony concur that a spirit of competition permeates the atmosphere instead of national pride. Multiple videos and reports uploaded to social media demonstrate that this ceremony represents aggression and competition between the two countries. This issue should be of concern to both nations. It would be ideal if the ceremony could convey a message of peace, love, and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Ultimately, it is the peace that we all seek—across borders. Happy Living!
Faqs
1. Is the Wagah Border Open Every Day for Crossing?
Officially, the everyday crossing is restricted. But if you have a visa, you can cross the border.
2. How much is the distance between the Wagah border and Lahore?
Wagah border is 23 km from Lahore, Pakistan, and 32 km from Amritsar, India.
3. WHERE IS WAGAH BORDER LOCATED?
Wagah border is located in Lahore, Pakistan.
4. Is Wagah Border open for tourists?
Yes, the Wagah border is open for both locals and international tourists.
5. Is there any entry ticket for Wagah Border?
No, there is no ticket price for the Wagah border.