At every sunset.. a military drama between India and Pakistan

A routine show that resembles theatrical performances and symbolizes the enmity between the two countries after 75 years.

AFP

Every sunset, crowds gather on the India-Pakistan border for a theatrical-style routine that symbolizes the rivalry between the two countries after 75 years of independence, though the show ends each day with a warm handshake between two officers on both sides.

Hours before the ceremony begins, enthusiastic spectators begin arriving at the stands on either side of the iron gates separating the two nuclear-armed rivals at the Atari-Wagah border point.

The distance is so close that the soldiers can see the faces of the people on the other side.

Shouts of the curators and national anthems shriek, rousing the crowd, as Indian and Pakistani flags fluttered from giant poles.

The Indian side can accommodate about 25,000 spectators, and more of them are on the other side.

The audience chant "Hind Zindbad" (Long live India) while a group of women perform a dance with flags to the beat of the national anthems.

Then the soldiers arrive and walk toward the gate, stomping the ground with their feet.

The show reaches its climax when the gates open.

A tall Indian soldier twists his mustache, threateningly flexing his muscles, while tall Pakistani soldiers also stand a few meters away.

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