India–Pakistan border ceremony
7/25/09
This interesting YouTube video records a ceremony on the India-Pakistan border. The British set the borders of the two new nations in 1947. From the beginning, they were fierce rivals. Contested land coupled with religious and cultural disputes led to violence.
But not all differences are acted out with violence. The Wagah border is the only road linking the two countries. And every night, the border is closed with a fascinating ceremony.
Hundreds of citizens attend the ceremony on both sides. Soldiers put a on an aggressive show. They strut and stomp and chant and yell. This show of force is entertaining and serious at the same time. But there is an undercurrent of respect and cooperation. The ceremony ends with a handshake across the border.
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