After a 12-day suspension, the iconic Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border resumed on May 20, 2025, with two major changes aimed at strengthening security and minimising cross-border interactions. The ceremony, a daily ritual that draws thousands of spectators to the border near Amritsar, had been temporarily halted following heightened security concerns.
The Beating Retreat ceremony is a symbol of both national pride and disciplined coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the armed forces from the other side. It traditionally includes a dramatic display of military drills, flag-lowering, and a symbolic handshake between soldiers from both sides. The event has long been a tourist magnet, particularly for visitors to Amritsar and surrounding regions.
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However, rising concerns following the terrorist assault on April 22 were reflected in the recent decision to halt the ceremony. Following this, the BSF cancelled the retreat ceremonies at the border outposts of Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi, citing security concerns.
With the ceremony now resumed, two major changes have been implemented:
Closed gates during the ceremonyEarlier, the flag-lowering ceremony included a dramatic moment when the countries' border gates were momentarily opened. To reduce any possible risk resulting from close physical proximity, this practice has now been discontinued, and the gates will be closed during the event.
No cross-border handshakeThe traditional handshake between the armed forces of the two nations, which symbolised mutual respect despite political differences, has also been dropped. This further diminishes the direct interaction between the two parties during the ceremony.
Although the ceremony's essential components—the coordinated exercise and patriotic fervor—remain the same, these modifications represent a cautious change in the way such public gatherings are handled in the face of unstable geopolitical realities.
Read more: 5 Buddhist sites in Andhra that feel like time travel
Tourism had taken a hit during the suspension, impacting local vendors and businesses that depend on the daily crowd. With the ceremony’s return, even in a restricted format, there's renewed optimism in the region.
According to the BSF, security will remain the top priority while maintaining the ceremony's cultural significance. India's intention to preserve public participation and national pride while adjusting to changing security conditions near the international border is reflected in this action.
The Beating Retreat ceremony is a symbol of both national pride and disciplined coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the armed forces from the other side. It traditionally includes a dramatic display of military drills, flag-lowering, and a symbolic handshake between soldiers from both sides. The event has long been a tourist magnet, particularly for visitors to Amritsar and surrounding regions.
Read more: Top 10 national parks in India ranked by tiger population
However, rising concerns following the terrorist assault on April 22 were reflected in the recent decision to halt the ceremony. Following this, the BSF cancelled the retreat ceremonies at the border outposts of Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi, citing security concerns.
With the ceremony now resumed, two major changes have been implemented:
Closed gates during the ceremonyEarlier, the flag-lowering ceremony included a dramatic moment when the countries' border gates were momentarily opened. To reduce any possible risk resulting from close physical proximity, this practice has now been discontinued, and the gates will be closed during the event.
No cross-border handshakeThe traditional handshake between the armed forces of the two nations, which symbolised mutual respect despite political differences, has also been dropped. This further diminishes the direct interaction between the two parties during the ceremony.
Although the ceremony's essential components—the coordinated exercise and patriotic fervor—remain the same, these modifications represent a cautious change in the way such public gatherings are handled in the face of unstable geopolitical realities.
Read more: 5 Buddhist sites in Andhra that feel like time travel
Tourism had taken a hit during the suspension, impacting local vendors and businesses that depend on the daily crowd. With the ceremony’s return, even in a restricted format, there's renewed optimism in the region.
According to the BSF, security will remain the top priority while maintaining the ceremony's cultural significance. India's intention to preserve public participation and national pride while adjusting to changing security conditions near the international border is reflected in this action.
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