India, Pakistan War of Plumes, Episode 3

This is a strange but visually amazing crossing between India and Pakistan where a war of strutting & imagery takes place every evening. It is a ceremony steeped in politics, rivalry, and religiously fueled passions. And like birds with competing plumes, these guys strut their stuff.

The lowering of the flags, or the Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah border near Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial, is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959.[1] The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like maneuvers, which has been described as “colourful” .It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. Leaders have sometimes described it as “ugly”.