India-Pakistan Retreat Ceremony Resumes Today Without Handshake or Gate Opening
Following a pause since May 7 due to heightened tensions, the Beating Retreat ceremony between India and Pakistan resumes today (May 20), organized by the Border Security Force (BSF). The ceremony takes place daily at the Attari-Wagah, Hussainiwala (Firozpur), and Sadki (Fazilka) borders, symbolizing military tradition and patriotic display on both sides.
According to BSF sources, the ceremony will be reinstated with certain modifications. The border gates will remain closed during the event, and the usual handshake between BSF and Pakistani Rangers will not take place.
The traditional military drill and flag-lowering will continue, but with limited cross-border coordination. Soldiers will lower their national flags while standing on their respective sides of the closed gates.
The event was suspended on May 7 due to a sudden rise in diplomatic and security tensions. No formal BSF statement was issued at the time, but the decision was made on security grounds.
Earlier, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) on April 23, India had suspended the handshake and gate-opening tradition from April 24. These aspects remain suspended as the ceremony resumes.
What is the Beating Retreat?
The Beating Retreat is a symbolic military parade held every evening at the India-Pakistan border posts. It involves a ceremonial lowering of flags, synchronized marching, and a public display of discipline and valor by troops from both countries.
This ceremony draws hundreds of tourists every day, especially at the Attari-Wagah border, which is its most iconic venue.
Heightened Security Measures
Despite the resumption, BSF and intelligence agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance. Surveillance in border regions has been intensified, and local authorities remain on high alert.
Recent Developments at the Border
Following the April 23 attack and the success of Operation Sindoor, the Army took over frontline responsibilities from the BSF. The situation has since been stabilizing, especially after the ceasefire on May 10.
Recently, both nations exchanged detained personnel from BSF and Pakistani Rangers. The Attari border has also been reopened for Afghan trucks, and Indian farmers are now permitted to work beyond the barbed fence.
The Beating Retreat has now resumed, though under stricter protocols.