In a gesture of symbolic reconciliation towards the revival of an age-old practice, India has decided to restart the daily border ceremony with Pakistan at Wagah-Attari. The ceremonial lowering of the flag, a spectacle appreciated for its mannered military drills and patriotic zeal, has been an important crowd-puller among both nations’ nationals and tourists.
The announcement follows a break due to increased tensions and COVID-19 restrictions. Pakistan, for its part, underscored that it never formally suspended the ceremony, going ahead with solo acts by its Rangers even during the break.
India’s return to participation is a hopeful sign of a thaw in relations, or at least a commitment to maintaining cross-border cultural heritage. The ceremony, performed at sunset, is a highly formalized spectacle of synchronized foot-stomping, threatening postures, and patriotic gestures that tend to attract big crowds on both sides.
Authorities expect the resumption of the ceremony to boost people-to-people contact, promote regional goodwill, and restore a sense of normalcy at the controversial but symbolic border crossing.
