Wagha Border Ceremony

Old May 30th, 2016, 09:59 PM
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Wagha Border Ceremony

Hey folks

Wondering if anyone has attended the Wagha Border crossing ceremony?

I'll be going to India next month and this one is on my bucket list. Wondering

Is there anything I should know about getting there/attending? any weird rules, restrictions, specific scams (other than the usual) that I should know about?

Do you need tickets or to get there at a certain time?

Is photography permitted?

We'll probably send the night in the area, is there anything around there that we should do?

we have 3 weeks in total, mostly spent in Rajasthan so if anything involves a bit of travel, we have the time

thanks
tourcy is offline  
Old May 31st, 2016, 07:44 AM
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I have visited Amritsar, which is the base for the border ceremony. I did not bother with the ceremony, but when you get off the train you will be met by taxi/rickshaw drivers eager to take you there. Check any good guide book for details.

My main reason for visiting Amritsar was to see the Golden Temple. I was not disappointed.
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Old May 31st, 2016, 07:56 AM
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Both the Wagah border ceremony and the Golden Temple are must-see destinations while in Punjab. The border is about 30 miles from Amritsar, so you will need a car, driver, and guide to make it work.

There is one afternoon flight from Delhi, so you'll have to hotfoot it to get there in time if you go upon arrival. The ceremony starts at sunset which varies throughout the year. No tickets are required. It's a walk of about 1/4 mile from the car park to the viewing stands and it this time of the year, it will be beastly hot. Plan accordingly.

Your hotel can make all the arrangements for you if you inform them ahead of time.
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Old May 31st, 2016, 08:56 AM
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I've been among the cheering crowds on both sides of the gate, with Pakistani friends on their side and then again with a travel companion while visiting Amritsar. I consider it one of those great off-beat cultural experiences you're unlikely to experience many places on earth. Everyone has fun while commemorating daily the rivalry between the 2 countries. The ceremonial guards on both sides are striking physically and give a fantastic performance. Consider it an alternative to war with much strutting and stomping and banging and no one dies! Do go if you have the chance.
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Old May 31st, 2016, 11:01 AM
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re seating, when we were there June 2010, there was "VIP" seating area for foreigners--you were directed to it upon showing your passport. I don't know they defined VIP...which was fine with me, We were surrounded by local folks. It is like a cross between Bollywood and a political rally!!

Yes, the Golden temple in Amritsar, the nearest city, is amazing! Go in the evening to cool your feet on the marble path around the huge pool, then in the morning to see the kitchen where food is made for thousands every day; then wander the little mini village which includes a medicine dispensary, rooms for overnight , etc.

Let me know if you want recco for great local guide. I got his name indirectly from Indianapearl (thanks, IP!) who recommended his sister, who --pergnant when i contacted her--recommended her brother.
We went in June--same time as you--and it was HOT under the sun in the stadium where the border ceremonly is held.
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Old May 31st, 2016, 09:22 PM
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Great fun, no two ways about it, and as MmePerdu says no one dies in the mock-battle!
Ask your taxi driver / Guide to park the vehicle in the last parking lot, for in the month of June, the temperatures are quite high even that late in the evening and no one likes to walk more than it is imperative.
No mobile phones or bags are allowed. You can take the pictures and if you take hold of an Indian Flag and double-up to the border Gate, you will be appreciated and applauded!!
As for the Golden Temple, don't miss the nightly 'Palkhi Sahib' ceremony, when the Holy book is carried with great fanfare to the resting abode. The kitchen visit is a must. The evenings are very pleasant. Devotional music, devotees praying and taking a dip in the Holy pool full of Golden Carp and the illumination of the entire complex is a stunning experience!
Plenty to see in Amritsar City. The Jallianwala Bagh is next door and so is the Durgiana Temple, the architecture of the temple similar to the Golden Temple and very different to a usual Hindu Temple built on the ancient nomenclature.
Amritsari food is very rich and the destination enjoys great culinary heritage. A good place could be Bharawan-Da-Dhaba, for it is a clean restaurant close by. The black Dal (lentil) is a speciality. The Makhan Fish & Chicken corner dishes out mouth-watering chicken tikka, though I have always appreciated the Fish tikkas during winters. Lassi (Butter-milk) is another delicacy at Surjan Singh Milk Bhandar at Regent Cinema chowk.
Don't forget to visit Sarai Amanat Khan, on the Taran Tarn-Attari road 25 miles, for the calligraphy you have seen on the Taj Mahal, was done by Amanat Khan and he resided at this place, which too is full of calligraphy and beautiful inscriptions. During his lifetime the place was used as an Inn for travellers arriving from Lahore and after his death, he lies buried in his serai.
The Punjab is India at it's colourful, robust best!!
Happy Travels!
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 05:36 AM
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Take plenty of water and a hat, was there two weeks ago and it packed out and very hot. No problem taking photos but you get a better view of both sides on ground level so if you go in late it is better.

I started to feel crushed and dizzy so left and went round the back where the soldiers took pity and allowed me to sit where they practice the steps. Watched the two scary ones who have the machine guns and sunglasses standing in front of a full length mirror adjusting the sunglasses and posing! They were all very friendly.
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 11:31 AM
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Great info, VP. Thank you! First I heard pf Sarai Amanat Khan!
One of the Anthony Bourdain shows has him happily chowing down on Punjabi food in Amritsar. Yummy!
Just when I think of using precious vacation time to visit another country, I learn something that draws me back--again and again--to India.
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 01:13 PM
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I've done that too. We left Delhi and my nephew arranged our train, hotel and pick up form the train in Amritsar but it was pretty straight forward. We were driven there. I don't recall how long a ride it was but I think it was at least an hour, maybe more.

We had to stand in line and it was big line too. Pictures are allowed but this was in 2011 and I was using a camera, not a phone. However if VP says no phones then it must to so now.

I am so glad we went. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. When were there men and women were separated.

There is national pride on the line and before they begin cheerleading starts. Imagine a football game between tow fierce rivals and that how the atmosphere is and even more, way more. There is a great deal of yelling and high stepping by the soldiers, like say two male lions squaring off to see who will get the pride.

I have read that soldiers stationed there are under great stress to get it perfect and so much pride is in the line.

Do see the Golden Temple and do it at night when it is lit up. Its amazing. Also if you have ever seen the movie "Gandhi" you remember that scene where the British General Dyer ordered the Gurkha troops to open fire on the assembly of men, women and children in that courtyard. That too is in Amritsar and its a must see as well. Bullet holes are still there in the walls from that slaughter.
http://www.jallianwalabagh.ca/pages.php?id=4
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 01:16 PM
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BTW I recall one other thing. At the end of the ceremony the flags are lowered. I was watching the Indian soldier lower their flag and I swear he was so careful to NOT lower it any faster that his Pak counterpart. His eyes were riveted on him!
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