In August 14, 1947, Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer, was commissioned to draw the borders that would divide British-ruled India into two new independent nations. The border was announced 3 days after named after him.
The section of the border Wagah on Pakistan side and Attari on India side, became more prominent over time due to bilateral trade and the international railway line that connect both countries, therefore there was a need to build a more elaborated check post infrastructure and border security was entrusted to specialized forces: India’s border security force (BSF), and the Pakistan Rangers.
In 1959 both forces started following a daily military practice or ceremony that became a symbol of Partition, a symbol of rivalry between the two countries and a display or brotherhood.
The Wagah- Attari border has became a tourist attraction due to the colourful ceremony that is display where a choreographed dance is performed by each force and the flags of both countries are lowered. The soldiers raise their legs as high as possible, they shake their hands and march.
Tourists and citizens from both sides clap and cheer Pakistan Zindabad! or Jai Hind! showing their spirit of patriotism and love for their countries.
