Name: Behind the daily ritual at the India-Pakistan border
Uploaded: 2025-05-07T16:29:56+08:00
Duration: 1 min 7 s
Description: For years, the Attari-Wagah border has been a hugely popular tourist attraction. Visitors from both sides have come to cheer on soldiers goose-stepping in a chest-puffing theatrical show of pageantry.

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The Attari-Wagah border crossing point between India and Pakistan was officially closed on May 1, 2025, marking a serious moment in already-tense relations between the two nations. While the iron gates that separate the two sides remain locked, one daily ritual at this border reminds us that it's better to trade insults than bullets.

For years, the Attari-Wagah border has been a hugely popular tourist attraction. Visitors from both sides have come to cheer on soldiers goose-stepping in a chest-puffing theatrical show of pageantry. During the exchange-of-post ceremony, soldiers from both sides marched with high-flying legs, thunderous stomps, and eyes locked in intense stares. The display usually ended with a brisk, brotherly handshake.

In this July 19, 2009 file photo, an Indian Border Security Force soldier, right, and a Pakistani Rangers soldier face one another at a daily closing ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border post. /Vincent Thian/AP

Pakistani Rangers perform the Beating Retreat ceremony at the border gates of Pakistan and India on May 4, 2025. /ARIF ALI//VCG

Pakistan Rangers in black uniform face Indian Border Security Force soldiers at a daily closing ceremony at Attari-Wagah border post on August 14, 2019. /K.M. Chaudhry/AP

Indian Border Security Force soldier (center left) receives sweets from a Pakistan Ranger (center right) on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali at the Attari-Wagah border post on October 24, 2022. /Narinder NANU/VCG

Pakistan Rangers dressed in black face Indian Border Security Force soldiers at a daily closing ceremony at the India-Pakistan border on August 9, 2019. /Prabhjot Gill/AP

For many tourists, it's a must-see spectacle, full of theatrical drama and national pride. But this isn't just for show. In a time when missiles could be launched faster than peace talks progress, this ritual of shouting and stomping becomes unexpectedly meaningful.