The ceremony starts with a
blustering parade by the soldiers from both the sides, and ends up in the
perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags. It is called the
beating retreat border ceremony on the international level. One infantryman or Jawan stands at attention on each
side of the gate. As the sun sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and
the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The flags are folded and the ceremony
ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from
either side, followed by the closing of the gates again. The spectacle of the
ceremony attracts many visitors from both sides of the border, as well as
international tourists. In October 2010, Major General Yaqub Ali Khan of the
Pakistan Rangers decided that the aggressive aspect of the ceremonial theatrics
should be toned down.
The soldiers of this ceremony are specially
appointed and trained for this auspicious ceremony. They also have a beard and moustache
policy for which they are paid additionally.
No comments:
Post a Comment