Beating Retreat resumes at Attari-Wagah border after suspension due to Operation Sindoor

ANI May 21, 2025 271 views

The BSF has resumed the Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah and other Punjab border posts after a temporary suspension. The decision follows de-escalation of tensions post-Pahalgam attack. Public attendance will be allowed starting Wednesday, though some ceremonial elements remain scaled back. The event marks a return to normalcy at these key India-Pakistan border points.

"In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony" - BSF
Amritsar, May 20: Crowds returned to the Attari-Wagah border and other key Joint Check Posts in Punjab on Tuesday, as the iconic Beating Retreat ceremony resumed today after a temporary suspension due to Operation Sindoor.

Key Points

1

BSF restarts retreat ceremony at Punjab border posts

2

Ceremony suspended after Pahalgam attack tensions

3

Public access resumes from Wednesday

4

Symbolic handshake remains suspended

Earlier in the day, the Border Security Force (BSF) announced the resumption of the ceremonial evening retreat at all three Joint Check Posts (JCPs) along the Punjab frontier.

The Beating Retreat ceremony, also known as the flag-lowering event, at the Attari-Wagah, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi Joint Check Posts (JCPs) of the BSF had been suspended on May 9 due to Operation Sindhoor.

The ceremony will be thrown open to the general public, starting Wednesday, marking a return to normalcy at these key border points.

The retreat ceremony, a popular attraction showcasing India's military discipline and cultural pride, is conducted jointly by the BSF and their Pakistani counterparts at designated border points.

In Punjab, the three prominent JCPs where the ceremony is held are Attari (Amritsar district), Hussainiwala (Ferozepur district), and Sadiqi (Fazilka district).

BSF officials have ensured that all necessary security and safety arrangements are in place to manage the expected influx of visitors.

Following the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, leading to the suspension of the daily retreat ceremony at the three key Joint Check Posts along the international border.

However, with the gradual de-escalation of tensions, it has now been decided to resume the ceremonial flag-lowering ritual at all three locations.

Earlier in April, the BSF had announced that it would scale down the ceremonial display during the retreat ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki in Punjab.

In a post on X, BSF had stated, "In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki in Punjab."

The key changes included the suspension of the symbolic handshake between the Indian Guard Commander and their Pakistani counterpart will be suspended.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see the ceremony resuming! The Wagah border show is a proud tradition that showcases our military discipline. Though I understand the need for caution after Pahalgam, we shouldn't let terrorism disrupt our cultural symbols. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While the ceremony is visually impressive, I hope the government is also focusing on more substantive confidence-building measures with Pakistan. These symbolic gestures mean little when cross-border terrorism continues unabated.
A
Amit S.
Attended the ceremony last year with my family - what an experience! The energy, the patriotism, the synchronized drills... it gave me goosebumps. Glad it's back for tourists. Just hoping the security is tight given recent tensions.
N
Neha T.
The suspension of the handshake is the right call. Why pretend everything is normal when our soldiers are being attacked? We need to maintain dignity while sending a clear message about terrorism. Actions speak louder than ceremonial gestures.
V
Vikram J.
As someone from Punjab, I've mixed feelings. The ceremony brings tourism and pride, but also reminds us of painful partitions. Maybe we should focus more on people-to-people connections rather than military displays at the border.
S
Sunita R.
The BSF jawans deserve our respect for maintaining this tradition with such precision day after day. Hope the scaled-down version still maintains the essence of the ceremony. Maybe less pomp is good - more focus on the solemnity of border security.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Attari-Wagah Beating Retreat BSF Operation Sindoor Punjab border India-Pakistan