The Border Security Force (BSF) is set to commence a captivating flag-lowering ceremony at the Tanot border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, mirroring the iconic daily ritual at the Wagah border in Amritsar, Punjab.
An amphitheater with a seating capacity of 1,000 is currently under construction at the Tanot Rai Mata Temple complex to host this patriotic spectacle.
BSF deputy inspector general (Jaisalmer), Yogendra Singh Rathore, stated that BSF personnel will conduct the flag-lowering ceremony every evening, accompanied by a camel show and other cultural events. However, unlike the Wagah border, there will be no corresponding ceremony on the Pakistani side.
Initially, the Babliyan border post near Tanot was earmarked for the retreat ceremony in 2021 under the government's border tourism initiative. However, Tanot was later chosen as the preferred location, and the Union tourism ministry approved ₹17.67 crore last year for the development of the Tanot complex to support this endeavor. The BSF has already completed 70% of the construction work.
The Tanot complex, spanning 4.57 acres, will feature an amphitheater as its centerpiece, along with a cafeteria, a VIP block, a souvenir shop, and a toilet block. Tanot already boasts several attractions, including a museum, a weapons gallery showcasing military history, and mural walls dedicated to fallen soldiers. The revamped complex will further enhance the visitor experience with dedicated areas for families and children, a food court, a surveillance system, and solar-powered LED street lighting.
Rathore expressed confidence that the Tanot ceremony will mirror the grandeur of the Wagah border ceremony. “We are making rapid progress. The construction of the amphitheater is underway, and we expect the Tanot complex to be completed by the year’s end,” he stated, adding that Tanot is poised to become a significant tourist destination.
In a bid to further promote border tourism in Jaisalmer, the BSF has streamlined the process by introducing an online e-pass system for easy access.
