For the first time in many, many years, I did not have an opportunity to observe Remembrance Day at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh did have a ceremony for the first time, and Adam, Kathryn, Stacy and Adi attended.
The rest of us were on the road for the 239 km trip to Amritsar by 6:00 am. The agenda was to do a two-day trip in one.
Mark, Satwinder, Jackie and Gurneet visited the Golden Temple first. George and I, having already done that pilgrimage, visited Alpha One Mall.
Then, we made the additional 30 km drive to the India-Pakistan border to attend the Retreat Ceremony. After some unsuccessful attempts in the past, we finally saw it! Quite a show!
The Retreat Ceremony involves the lowering of the flags of both countries just before sunset. It has been done every day since 1959.
If you entered India from Pakistan, this archway is what you would first see once you had crossed the border.
Throngs of people gathered on both sides of the border to witness this event. The white buildings and seating seen here are on the Pakistan side. There, women must sit in one section and men in another.
There was music, dancing and cheering prior to the start of the ceremony.
Spectators on both sides seemed to be having a competition when it came to cheering for their country.
The border security forces from both countries are the performers in the show--and a drama it is!
Interesting headgear is worn by both forces. India is dressed in red and tan; Pakistan in black.
Mark.........
and George got into the spirit.
The performance is very theatrical with very fast, aggressive marching and movements.
Marchers take long strides and are almost running.
The marching routine lasts about 20 minutes. It is precisely choreographed, and the Indian routine is mirrored on the Pakistan side.
The soldiers do a number of high kicks--like they kick themselves in the forehead!
Finally, the gates are opened to access the flag poles that are in the "no man's" land between them.
Even the ropes used to lower the flags are manoeuvred with dramatic flare.
With perfect timing, the flags are lowered together.
 |
| The gates are closed again--at least until the crowd disperses. |
 |
| The flag is folded and carried to its bed for the night. |
We worked our way through the crowds, found our car and headed home to Chandigarh, at times in unbelievable traffic, arriving around 11 pm.
What an unusual performance, and definitely worth the long trip.
Another adventure in India!
