The nation’s first line of defence, the Border Security Force, is on the border 24X7, making sure that we sleep in peace. India’s 7,516 km long border is safe because of the BSF.
At Wagah border in Attari, every evening, a massive crowd gathers to witness the iconic retreat ceremony, where the Indian and Pakistani forces face each other in a show of aggression and ends in a coordinated practice of lowering of the two nations' flags.
Far away from their homes, these soldiers put their life on the line for the country.
When Rakshabandhan is celebrated on Monday, these soldiers will be spending another festival alone. But this year, to tell the soldiers that the country is with them, young girls from Amritsar traveled to the border with Rakhis, and celebrated ‘Surakshabandhan,’ at an event organised by Nickelodeon.
The young kids were excited to meet the soldiers, accompanied by two very popular cartoons, Dora and Shiva.
- 01/09Kids from Amritsar travel to Wagah to surprise BSF soldiers.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 02/09BSF soldiers prepping up for the Retreat ceremony.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 03/09BSF soldiers prepping up for the Retreat ceremony.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 04/09BSF soldiers prepping up for the Retreat ceremony.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 05/09Kids tie Rakhi to celebrate Surakshabandhan with BSF soldiers.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 06/09Popular cartoons, Shiva and Dora, also joined the celebration,(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 07/09A BSF soldier poses with a smile post the surprise.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 08/09Wagah’s retreat ceremony.(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
- 09/09Flags brought down at dusk at Wagah in Attari(Photo: Deeksha Sharma/The Quint)
Our soldiers miss out on spending time with their friends and families on festivals, Rakshabandhan being one. Having children take time out and celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan with us has definitely been a heart-warming experience for all our soldiers.JS Oberoi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Amritsar
The BSF soldiers who spoke to The Quint said that the kids’ smiles brought the festivities to the border and gave them festive excitement.
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
Cameraperson: Deeksha Sharma
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