The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah border is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force, BSF) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959. The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dancelike manoeuvres, which have been described as “colourful”. It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. Similar parades are being organised at Mahavir/Sadqi border near Fazilka and Hussainiwala/Ganda Singh Wala border near Firozpur.

This ceremony takes place every evening before sunset at the Wagah border, which as part of the Grand Trunk Road was the only road link between these two countries before the opening of the Aman Setu in Kashmir in 1999. The ceremony starts with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides, and ends up in the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags. It is called the Beating Retreat border ceremony on the international level. One infantryman stands at attention on each side of the gate. As the sun sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The flags are folded and the ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the closing of the gates again. The spectacle of the ceremony attracts many visitors from both sides of the border, as well as international tourists. The soldiers of this ceremony are specially appointed and trained for this auspicious ceremony. They also have a beard and moustache policy for which they are paid additionally.

Reference: Wikipedia

To log this cache, you must attend this ceremony and take either one of these photos and post with your log. 

1. Along with your log, upload a photo of the moment when both India and Pakistan flags have been lowered, with your GC name (written on a piece of paper) in the photo.
2. Along with your log, also upload a photo of your GC name (written on a piece of paper) with an Indian soldier in the background.
3. Along with your log, upload a photo of your GC name (written on a piece of paper) with a soldier doing a High Kick in the background.
4. Along with your log, upload a photo of your GC name (written on a piece of paper) with dance celebrations.

Notes:  

• Photos are mandatory and logs without these will be deleted. More than 1 photo is permitted. Selfies are optional, but welcome.
• Focus the image for the background to be clear. Photo of your name can be blurry but should be legible.
• The name must be written on a paper or something else, and be within the photo. Simply editing the photo and adding text to it, will not suffice.
• If you are attending the ceremony with another Geocacher, group photos are permitted, however each log must have a photograph attached, even if it is the same photograph. 
• Security checks will be conducted at the site, please ensure that you are carrying identification and non-hazardous material. The Federal Government of India owns this site and all security rules and site-specific rules must be followed at all times.
• The ceremony begins at dusk and it is advised to arrive on site well before the ceremony to find appropriate seating. Feel free to do more research on this ceremony, before you head to it.
• Prepare yourself with sunscreen, hat and water.

Virtual Reward - 2017/2018

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.