Watch: Beating Retreat Ceremony at Attari-Wagah Border on Republic Day

The flag-hoisting, ceremonial drill and Beating Retreat on the country's 72nd Republic Day was a low-key affair.

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.

#WATCH | Beating Retreat ceremony is underway at the Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of #RepublicDay. pic.twitter.com/7rj8VcATGQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

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.

More visuals of Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border on #RepublicDay. pic.twitter.com/xcZx95Gi1Z

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

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.