The lowering of the International flags hoisted at the International Border between India and Pakistan is celebrated through a special ceremony known as the BORDER RETREAT. This special practice is being done since 1959. The joint daily military practice is held between security forces of India (Border Security Force, BSF) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) . The drill is characterized by a show of strength through Stiff movements, hard core parades with attitude but always ends on a positive note of brotherhood and cooperation at the border.
The ceremony starts every evening immediately before sunset with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides, and ends with the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags. One infantryman 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 then 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.
It is better to reach the venue quite well in time as it gets crowded and you can expect traffic jams also.
Time of Parade to start : 5:15 in summers and 4:15 in winters.
Try to reach the venue one hour in advance to get a proper seat.
Duration of Parade : 45 min
Note:
If you are having multiple cameras and lenses, only one camera fitted with Lens will be allowed and the rest have to be left back. In case you carry anything extra that is not allowed, the same can be put in a locker at the entry check point which is given at the nominal charge of Rs. 100.
In summers you must carry an umbrella with you as it gets quite hot out there and difficult to sit and wait for the parade.
