The Border Security Force (BSF) will soon initiate a flag-lowering ceremony along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, similar to the daily ceremony at the Wagah border in Amritsar, Punjab, an official announced on Wednesday. An amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 1,000 is currently being built at the Tanot Rai Mata Temple complex for this purpose.
BSF Deputy Inspector General (Jaisalmer) Yogendra Singh Rathore stated that BSF personnel will lower the Indian flag every evening, accompanied by a camel show and other events. Unlike Wagah, there will be no corresponding ceremony on the Pakistani side.
In 2021, the Babliyan border post near Tanot was initially developed for a retreat ceremony as part of the government’s border tourism initiative. By 2022, a stadium, watchtower, selfie points, and other amenities were constructed before Tanot was selected as the site for the ceremony.
Last year, the Union Tourism Ministry approved ₹17.67 crore for the development of the Tanot complex under the border tourism initiative. The BSF has completed 70% of the construction so far. The 4.57-acre complex will include a 434-square-metre cafeteria, a 183-square-metre VIP block, a souvenir shop, and a toilet block, with the amphitheatre as the focal point.
Officials noted that Tanot features a variety of attractions, including a museum and a weapons gallery that showcase military history. Mural walls dedicated to fallen soldiers are also present. The complex will include areas for families and children, a food court, a surveillance system, and solar-powered LED street lighting.
Rathore emphasized that Tanot is poised to offer a ceremony with the grandeur of the Wagah border. “We are making rapid progress. The amphitheatre is under construction, and we expect the entire Tanot complex to be completed by the end of the year,” Rathore said. He added that Tanot is anticipated to become a major tourist attraction.
To facilitate border tourism in Jaisalmer, the BSF has introduced an online e-pass system for easier access.
