Wagah Border

Situated between Amritsar and Lahore (Pakistan), the Wagah Border is an army outpost on the Indian-Pakistani frontier. One of the primary sites of land access for travelers heading into Pakistan, their neighbor, is approximately 28 kilometers away from Amritsar. Every day, the magnificent Beating the Retreat event is held here, amidst the numerous buildings, roads, and obstacles. An infantryman on both sides of the gate stands obediently during the ritual.

The gates are then thrown open, and the two soldiers—one from Pakistan and the other from India—approach one another, acting irrationally angry and exchanging menacing glances. Following this, they exchange handshakes and simultaneously lower the Pakistani and Indian flags on either side of the gate. People from both nations assemble to watch the amazing events. There’s a massive gate on the Indian side of the border called ‘Swarn Jayanti Dwar’ (Golden Jubilee Gate), which is encrypted and from which one may have a bird’s-eye view of the Wagah Border. Awe-inspiring and exuberant, the Lowering the Flag Ceremony is a must-see in Amritsar.

Lights are turned on to signal the end of the day as night draws near. People are cheering the ceremony and singing the National Anthem with a sense of patriotism. The enthusiasm results in an uncommon demonstration of national and nationalistic pride. A complex including the samadhi of Sham Singh Attari, a renowned general in the Sikh empire’s army, is another point of interest close to the Wagah Border.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit Wagah Border Amritsar is during the winter. Winter arrives in late November and lasts through March. Winter is the ideal season for outdoor activities. The daytime temperature doesn’t change much.

Wagah Border Ceremony

The procession ceremony at Wagah Border lasts for thirty minutes. There is a procession to start the event. Both the Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force send forces to carry it out. Soldiers raise their legs as high as they can while marching.

The soldiers are picked meticulously for the Wagah Border March Past. Additionally, they receive specialized training for the Beating Retreat rite. Every soldier keeps their motions coordinated and approaches it with the utmost seriousness.

The event is a lavish demonstration of friendship and authority. Women and kids wave the flag and dance to patriotic music before it. With loud cries of “Jai Hind” and “Vande Mataram,” onlookers applaud them.
And both countries’ flags are lowered in exact time after the procession. The border gate opens and the flags are lowered and folded.

A quick handshake between the soldiers from both sides marks the conclusion of the event. After that, the border and the gate are officially closed until daybreak. To sing the National Anthem and cheer on the troops, people stand where they are supposed to. There is a general air of pride throughout the place.

Wagha Border Timings or Schedule

Monday, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Tuesday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Wednesday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Thursday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Friday, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Sat, from10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Sunday, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
The ceremony at the Wagah Border Amritsar takes place at 4:15 p.m. (winter) or 5:15 p.m. (summer).

ATTRACTIONS

Jallianwala Bagh: This ancient park, which is close to the Golden Temple, was crucial to India’s independence movement. It was the scene of the tragic 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people. Currently, it serves as a memorial to honor the freedom fighters’ sacrifices.

Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest temple in Sikhism and one of the most spiritual locations in all of India. The magnificent golden architecture of the temple, which is situated in the center of Amritsar, as well as the daily Langar (community kitchen) draw a sizable number of tourists and devotees every day. Over 100,000 people from all walks of life are fed for free at the temple, which is accessible to adherents of all faiths.

Partition Museum: The world’s first museum devoted to the 1947 division of India is located in Amritsar and is called the Partition Museum. It presents the testimonies, firsthand accounts, and artifacts of individuals impacted by the division. Gaining a fuller grasp of this important historical episode can be achieved by visiting the museum.

Durgiana Temple: Situated close to the Golden Temple, the Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple that is also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It honors Goddess Durga and is a well-known Hindu site of worship.

Where to Stay

For your comfortable stay, there are numerous hotels and guest homes close to the Golden Temple. On a first-come, first-served basis, accommodations in the gurudwara are also available for stay.

HOW TO REACH

There are 28 km between Amritsar and the Attari-Wagah Border. The bus stop and Amritsar train station are 30 kilometers away. Additionally, Wagah Border is 35 kilometers from Amritsar airport.

By Flight

The closest airport to the Wagah Border is Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport, which is 36 kilometers away.

By Train

The Attari Railway Station is the closest train station to the Wagah Border, and it is six kilometers away.

By Road

The closest bus stop to the Wagah Border is Bus Stand Amritsar, which is 32 kilometers away.