The Punjab border of Attari-Wagah has been decorated with the colors of the Indian National flag as the security forces gear up for the 80th anniversary of Independence Day on August 15.
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There was a final rehearsal of the Beating Retreat ceremony held on Friday at the Attari border which is an insight into the splendid display that will take place on Independence Day.
It was during the rehearsal that the discipline and synchronization became evident as they were central to the performance of the Beating Retreat ceremony.
The security staff performed the drill ceremony while making preparations for the Independence Day festival. The boundary was decorated with tricolor lights, creating a festive air ahead of the August 15 celebrations.
This ceremony has become an important feature of the Independence Day celebrations at Attari.
The Beating Retreat at Attari-Wagah is a daily military ceremony conducted by India's Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan's Pakistan Rangers at the India-Pakistan border.
The ceremony involves highly synchronised marching drills, forceful movements, lowering of the national flags and the closing of the border gates. The ritual has been conducted since the early years after Independence and has become a major attraction for visitors.
The Attari border is located on the historic Amritsar-Lahore Grand Trunk Road, around 32 kilometres from Amritsar.
The Beating Retreat ceremony is the biggest attraction for visitors, with large crowds gathering at the border to watch the elaborate drill and flag-lowering ceremony.
The ceremony takes on a special significance around August 15 as India celebrates its Independence Day.
The Attari border becomes a centre of patriotic activity, with the national flag, ceremonial drills and performances creating a charged atmosphere among spectators.
This year's preparations are also taking place amid heightened security along India's western border. The BSF has launched its annual Operation Alert along the western frontier ahead of Independence Day, citing security concerns including infiltration attempts, drone-related smuggling and possible disruptive activities.