Today we got to go to Indian/Pakistani Border Ceremony, but it felt more like a passive-aggressive competition between the two nations. I travelled with my two gunman (who cared some sort of A.K.-47 type gun) and driver.
When you reach the border, which is called Wagah Border every individual has to park his/her car and walk about a quarter of a mile to the security check point. However, due to the fact we were being escorted by the police, we got to take our cars to the gate. Of course, everyone was looking at us and wondering who we were to have such special treatment. When we got out of our car, our gunman flanked us to the VIP section. We weren’t on the list to be seated in VIP but due to my family we were able to walk right by the VIP check-in and were able cut in line to get past the metal-detectors. Once again, everyone was looking at us and wondering who we were to be able to get such special attention. We got some of the best seats in the house and were able to see the entire ceremony.
India VS. Pakistan
The ceremony itself can best be described as a competition between the two nations. While the crowds are filling in, both sides have music blaring and each song is boasting about its respective nation. Around 5:30, the announcements are made (in unison from both countries in their national languages) to remain in their seats, turn-off their cell phones, etc. Of course, neither country will wait for one side to make its announcements and then make their own, thus ensuring every hears the rules. Also, the announcers would hold chant sessions: the Indian side regaling “Hindustan Zindabad” (which means Long Live India), “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (which means Victory to the Motherland), and Wande Matram (which is used to encourage people during war time and basically means Victory). I, having a rush of pride joined in with my fellow Indians in the chants, which was a lot of fun! On the other side of an elaborately decorated fence, the Pakistan side sang “Jiyo Jiyo Pakistan” (literally meaning Live Live Pakistan) and “Allah Ho Akbar” (Long Live God). I must say, although there were probably twice as many people on the India side, the Pakistan side was much louder and more unified (sorry Indians everywhere, but it’s true). In addition, the men and women sat in separate areas, but on the India side everyone is mixed, which shows another fundamental difference in ideology of the two nations.
After the elaborate 45 minute long ceremony to take down the flags, the crowds dispersed but the VIPs were able to stay behind to take pictures at the gate and with the special guards. However, the rest of the public was barricaded behind a wall of security guards and a very strong metal fence. Once we were ready to leave, my police escort came to the gate, loaded us in, and took off flying back home with the sirens on to get people out of the way. It is safe to say that this was one of the best experiences of my life.
really the vidios was nice.