1947 Line (Wagha ceremony)
Visited Wagha ceremony yesterday. Wagha is a an area where the line between India and Pakistan was drawn in 1947.
There is a ceremony happening twice a day (morning and evening) on both sides of the border. Flag lowering ceremony. Read more about Wagha in the Wikipedia.
We arrived there at 6pm. Lots of cars and people, flags and national music. Heat. Famous “old man” is putting on his shoes and a shirt with Pakistan flag.
Man and women go to different sides. Our company split in 2 parts.
We were lucky to have VIP seats right near the main road.
Ceremony started and lasted for 30 minutes. Patriotic crowds, “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long life, Pakistan), Pakistani Rangers are so excited that almost jumping on the road. Open gates. Indian citizens on the other sides. Flags of two countries crossed and lowered.
Having read about partition times in books, watched movies and listened to what my Pakistani friends were telling me, ceremony made me very emotional. I was about to cry.
…
On the way to the border.
I: I wonder if there are any other countries that do such a ceremony. It’s so nice!
Laura: Well, it’s a paradox… knowing what kind of relations India and Pakistan have.
I remembered how much struggle it takes for Pakistani people to get a visa to India and vice versa, various attacks in 2008 followed by blames on Pakistan, and Pakistan - on India, - and agreed with Laura.
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After the ceremony, on the way to the car.
I: It’s surprising how many people are coming to this event from both sides!
Arsalaan: Many people think it’s how they can express patriotism to their country.
I: I thought it is a friendship ceremony. Friendhip relations between Pakistan and India: “Whatever happens in politics, we will remember times when we were the same country”. But now I see it has a slightly different mood.
Arsalaan: Have you noticed how competitive they get during it? Who will shout louder and longer.
I: In the beginning right? Yes, I noticed that. Besides, Pakistani rangers are almost jumping when they perform! So excited.
Arsalaan: Yes they are. They want to show that Pakistan is strong and always ready to defend itself.
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More pictures here
Hi, Katya!
Fantastic narration. A link from your facebook status brought me here.
I’ve been reading your blog entries and I’m really enjoying your stories about your trips and experiences in Pakistan. You seem to be really learning a lot and I am only jealous you are living in a country I have wanted to see and do something in.
I have an aunt and an old family friend in Islamabad. My aunt is a nun and the family friend is married to someone employed by UN. They say the place looks beautiful.
Before I end this comment, I also wanted to warn you that I left a really long comment on one your entries. Couldn’t help myself.
Cheers and see you soon in AIESEC Oman!
+Libby (LC Downtown, Muscat)
[I asked you about ballet in Russia and what you thought of Dostoyevsky if you still remember that.]
Hi Libby,
It’s so nice to hear from you! Of course I remember you, what a question :-)
I am currently in Islamabad, it’s a wonderful place indeed!
Almost as quiet as Oman :) your aunt must be enjoying it.
Thanks for sharing your opinion over here.
Talk to you soon,
Katya