A Place Full Of Gusto

Every experience gives you a feeling. Some are bad , some good and some extraordinary. But nothing can beat the feeling you get at the Wagah Border. The Wagah (or Punjab) border ‘lowering of the flags' ceremony is a daily military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have jointly followed since 1959. This ceremony takes place every evening before sunset. The sun was setting when we reached the place. The crowd there is just unbelievable. All of them were rushing in, to watch the ceremony. 

 My friend and I forced our way into the front row and found a seat. There were patriotic songs playing in the background. I tapped my feet to the music and sang along. After a while, the crowd went wild, getting down to the small pavement and started to dance with gusto. Now, the most interesting thing happened. Two girls at a time were allowed to carry the huge Indian flag till the Pakistan border and come back again. My friend and I immediately volunteered. With pride in our hearts we ran till the Pakistan border, with the flag fluttering in our wake. We were panting for breath when we returned the flag to the officer, but it was an experience which I will never forget.

It was sunset and the customary practice of lowering the flag began. It was a great feeling sitting amidst the crowd and shouting slogans on top of our lungs. The chant, Bharath Mata ki jai was echoing everywhere. It was a moment to behold when the whole crowd saluted in union as our flag was lowered. It was a euphoric moment which every Indian would enjoy.

                                                        Photo Credits - Google Images

Shruti KS

29/07/2012