Is the Wagah Border Parade Open After Pahalgam?

The Wagah Border ceremony has long been a symbol of pride, nationalism, and tense camaraderie between India and Pakistan. Taking place every evening at the Attari Wagah border near Amritsar, this high energy military drill draws crowds of thousands on both sides. However, in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, questions have emerged about whether this iconic daily tradition has been affected.

The short answer? Yes, the Wagah Border Parade is still happening, but it has changed. While the parade continues with full patriotic fervor, the ceremonial handshake between Indian and Pakistani soldiers has been discontinued, and the gates that usually open briefly during the event now remain closed.

Let’s break down the current status of the parade, the impact of the Pahalgam incident, and what this all means for the symbolic tradition at Wagah.

What Happened in Pahalgam?

On April 22, 2025, the popular tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by a terrorist attack that killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists and pilgrims. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front TRF, an outfit linked to the Pakistan based Lashkar e Taiba LeT.

In the aftermath, the Indian government responded with a series of strong diplomatic and military moves:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a major bilateral agreement between the two nations
• Shutting down the Wagah Attari land crossing, halting the only road based entry and exit between India and Pakistan
• Expelling Pakistani diplomats, including high ranking military advisors
• Ordering all Pakistani nationals in India under SAARC or tourist visas to leave within 48 hours

The impact of the Pahalgam incident wasn’t just political — it was emotional. There was widespread public outrage across India. As part of a broader push to limit direct bilateral interaction, ceremonial gestures at Wagah were toned down, particularly the symbolic handshake that once took place during the ceremony.

The Current Status of the Wagah Parade

Despite tensions, the daily Beating Retreat ceremony has not been canceled. Indian authorities decided to continue the event to maintain national morale and tradition, especially for the thousands of domestic tourists who plan visits around it.

However, a few key elements have changed:

• No handshake between the Indian Border Security Force BSF and Pakistan Rangers
• No opening of the iron gates at the center of the border during the flag lowering
• Tighter security checks and increased military vigilance in and around Attari

These modifications, though seemingly small, are symbolically significant. The handshake and gate opening were visual cues of some form of mutual respect and civility — even during strained times. Their suspension marks a deliberate distancing from the idea of diplomacy or friendliness with Pakistan, at least for now.

A Brief History of the Wagah Ceremony

To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what the ceremony represents.

The Wagah Attari border ceremony, held every evening before sunset, is a military ritual performed jointly by the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers. Introduced in 1959, the ceremony includes:

• High kicking, synchronized marches
• The aggressive lowering of both nations' flags
• Salutes and crowd engagement from both sides
• A final ceremonial handshake and closing of the border gates

Over the years, the ceremony has evolved into a popular tourist event, with bleachers, patriotic music, and energetic audience participation. It’s equal parts military drill and theatrical spectacle, reflecting the competitive spirit and complex history between the two countries.

On days when diplomatic ties are stable, the handshake symbolizes a fragile understanding. When ties are tense, even symbolic gestures like this are retracted — and that’s where we are now.

Precedents for Change

This isn’t the first time the Wagah ceremony has been altered due to political or security reasons:

• In 2014, after a suicide bombing on the Pakistani side of Wagah that killed 60 people, the ceremony was paused for several days
• In 2016, India temporarily suspended the handshake and allowed a more solemn tone following the surgical strikes across the Line of Control
• In 2019, after the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes, both countries temporarily scaled back the performance aspect of the event
• In 2020 and 2021, COVID restrictions meant the ceremony was held without a live audience for months

So, while the current changes may feel drastic, they follow a familiar pattern of reflecting the broader political temperature through small, symbolic adjustments.

Why the Parade Continues

You might wonder why India hasn’t simply canceled the ceremony altogether, especially when the gates are shut and the handshake is removed.

The answer lies in the ceremony’s deep national importance.

• It’s a symbol of resilience — The continuation of the ceremony, even in altered form, shows India’s refusal to let terrorism or foreign hostility dictate its traditions
• It’s a tourist magnet — The parade draws thousands of visitors to Amritsar every day, boosting the local economy and supporting vendors, guides, and transport providers
• It’s an outlet for patriotism — For many, witnessing the ceremony is a bucket list experience — a visceral, emotional connection to India’s armed forces and national pride

By maintaining the ceremony — minus the friendly gestures — India sends a clear message: "We will not back down, but we won’t pretend things are normal either."

Will the Handshake Return?

That depends entirely on future developments in India Pakistan relations. The handshake and gate opening are often seen as goodwill gestures. If bilateral relations improve, particularly after investigations into the Pahalgam attack and any de escalation efforts, these symbolic acts might return.

But for now, national security and public sentiment take precedence. The Indian government appears firm on keeping the gates shut — both physically and diplomatically.

Final Thoughts

The Wagah Border Parade remains open, but the ceremony has clearly shifted in tone. Gone is the momentary thaw that used to accompany the handshake between two rival nations. In its place is a reminder: symbolism at Wagah is not just theatre — it’s diplomacy in uniform.

As long as cross border hostility, like the tragic Pahalgam attack, persists, the Wagah gates may remain firmly closed. But the fact that the ceremony still takes place each day shows that the spirit of the tradition — a blend of pride, discipline, and resilience — is very much alive.

Book Your Visit with Planet Amritsar Inc

If you’re planning to witness the Wagah Border Parade in person, consider booking your experience with Planet Amritsar Inc. We offer comfortable transportation, friendly local guides, and helpful insights to make your visit smooth, safe, and memorable. From understanding the history behind the ceremony to finding the best viewing spots, we’re here to make your journey effortless. Book now with Planet Amritsar Inc and be part of this unforgettable patriotic moment.