Amritsar: India's Republic Day ceremonies on Tuesday on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah international border near Amritsar in Punjab were held in the absence of spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.
The flag-hoisting, ceremonial drill and Beating Retreat on the country's 72nd Republic Day was a low-key affair at the Joint Check Post, around 30 km from the holy city.
Also missing was the traditional bonhomie between border forces of both India and Pakistan -- the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers -- who in normal times would share sweets and exchange greetings.
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In March 2020, the BSF had stopped the entry of visitors from across India who otherwise thronged the JCP to witness the famous Beating Retreat ceremony -- a daily charged-up drill performed by the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers in the evening hours -- in view of the spread of the pandemic.
Only the joint parade was held on Independence Day last year.
However, flag-hoisting and lowering of flags daily by both the forces is being held as usual.
At sunset, border guards on both sides lower their national flags. Normally the ceremony is a major tourist attraction on both sides of the borders.
IANS Report
