As the clock struck twelve on August 14, Indians and Pakistanis faced each other across the border holding candles to reinforce the spirit of harmony and shared heritage in troubled times.
This was to celebrate the birth of two nations and 66 years of independence from British rule.
Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14 and India a day later.
Citizens from both sides make a tryst with peace at the border checkpost every year at midnight on August 14-15.
About 100 people gathered at the border, about 30 km from Amritsar, shouting slogans like “Hind-Pakistan Maitri Zindabad”, “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Hindustan Zindabad”.
Another slogan which rent the air was “Bhai ko bhai se milne do” (let the brothers meet).
The crowd, including women and children, cut across all age groups. Troopers on both sides had decorated respective sides of their border posts to mark the occasion.
“Every year at midnight on Aug 14-15, people from India and Pakistan place their candles on ground zero (on the border) to express their solidarity for each other,” Commander Sumer Singh said.
Sweets are exchanged and so are greetings.
“Pakistani soldiers send us sweets like ladoos on August 14 and we give them sweets in exchange. The exchange also happens on Holi, Diwali and other festivals,” he said.
The candlelight vigil was joined by the cast of the upcoming film “Kyaa Delhi Kya Lahore”, unveiling the trailer for the first time.
A daily feature at the border is the beating retreat ceremony, watched by large cheering crowds on both sides. The formal ceremony marks the closure of the gates.
