Wagah Border is a famous international border that separates India from Pakistan. This border is located 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Lahore and 32 kilometers (20 mi) from Amritsar. This border hosts a pretty interesting military ceremony that takes place there every day. This event corresponds to a military performance by both India and Pakistan, complete with spectacular stunts, and it draws large crowds, much like a tourist attraction.

Let’s know in detail about Wagah Border history, ceremony, timing, and tickets.

Wagah Border

Wagah Border(Attari Border) Overview

History of Wagah Border

The border obtained its name from the Wagah village, which was situated close to the Radcliffe Line, the demarcation line that divided India and Pakistan when British India was partitioned. This border crossing was used by migrants from India to enter Pakistan at the country’s independence in 1947 and vice versa.

About Wagah (Pakistani Side Border)

Location:

• Wagah is a village and union council (UC 181) located in the Wahga Zone near Lahore City District, Pakistan.
• Wahga is situated 600 meters west of the border and lies on the historic Grand Trunk Road between Lahore and Amritsar in India.

Features:

• The village is famous for the renowned Wagah Border Ceremony.
• It also serves as a good transit terminal between India and Pakistan due to the Wagah Railway Station.

About Attari (Indian Side of Border)

Location:

• Attari is a village located in Punjab at a distance of 25 kilometers from Amritsar.
• Attari is situated at a distance of 3000 meters from the popular Wagah Border.

Features:

• It marks the final stop on the railway line that links Delhi and Lahore in India.
• The village takes its name from a general who served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army.
• Attari serves as the beginning of National Highway 1 (NH 1), a segment of the significant and historic Grand Trunk Road.

Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony

• The Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony, also known as the Beating Retreat Border Ceremony, occurs around the border gate every day, two hours before sunset.
• The ceremony is meticulously organized and beautifully portrayed by the Pakistani Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
• The ceremony starts with a high-spirited and lively parade led by soldiers from both sides and ends with the precisely synchronized lowering of the flags of the two nations.
• During the ceremony, an infantryman stands at attention on both sides of the gate.
• Soldiers from both sides are specifically selected and trained for this auspicious ceremony.

Timings of Wagah Border

• In summer, the parade starts at 5:15 PM, while in winter it starts at 4:15 PM.
• The ceremony lasts for 45 minutes.
• The Wagah-Attari Border entrance is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wagah Border Tickets

• There are no entry passes or tickets to watch the ceremony.
• The seats for attending the ceremony are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• It is advisable to visit one hour prior since it is not easy for everyone to attend the ceremony.

Similar Ceremonies at Wagah Border

Some of the similar parades organized around the nation include:

• Mahavir/Sadqi Border near Fazilka
• Hussainiwala/Ganda Singh Wala Border near Firozpur

Land Border Crossings Between India and Pakistan

The various land border crossings linking India and Pakistan are detailed below.

Railway Crossings:

Road Crossings:

Wagah Flag

• The biggest pole in India is located at Pattadei.
• The stadium could accommodate 25,000 Indians and guests.
• It is noteworthy that, in contrast to India, Pakistan does not own a stadium of the same caliber.
• India built a stadium with a balcony gallery overlooking the Pakistani side and hoisted a 360-foot (110-meter) flagpole in Attari.
• In response, Pakistan raised a 400-foot (122-meter) flag on the Wagah side in August 2017.
• A 122-metre-high Pakistani flag on the Wagah Side of the border.

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Wagah Border – FAQs

1. When is Wagah Border opened?

Wagah Border is open all year round. The entrance is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2. How long does the Wagah Border Parade last?

The infamous Wagah Border Parade, performed by soldiers from both sides, generally lasts a total of 45 minutes.

3. Why is the Wagah Border famous?

The Wagah Border is best known for its Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony, also known as the Beating Retreat Border Ceremony, which occurs around the border gate every day, two hours prior to sunset.

4. Is Wagah in India or Pakistan?

Wagah is a village located in the Wahga Zone near Lahore City District, Pakistan.

5. Are there any tickets for the Wagah Border?

No, you don’t have to buy entry passes or tickets. The seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.