Come August, the India-Bangladesh border will witness Beating Retreat ceremonies like the Indo-Pak border at Wagah thrice a week by the border security forces of the two neighbours.
The ceremonies in the two states of West Bengal and Tripura have been planned on the lines of Wagah Indo-Pak border, but with the difference that they will be basically a cultural affair where songs of Rabindranath Tagore and Kavi Nazrul Islam, national poet of Bangladesh, will be sung, a BSF official said.
The Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah in Punjab is marked by aggressive body language and parade by soldiers of both sides, which attracts hundreds of tourists everyday.
The ceremonies, to be held at Petrapole-Benapole, Changrabandha and Siliguri in West Bengal and Akhaura in Tripura, is also expected to attract locals and school children.
"We are planning to start the retreat ceremonies by the second week of August," ADG BSF B D Sharma told PTI adding that they would be held for the time being on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A meeting between the DG (BSF), Subhash Joshi, and Border Guard Bangladesh Major general Aziz Ahmed was held on May 25, this year to discuss the formalities.
It would formally start probably on India's Independence Day on August 15.
According to sources, the cultural fest will include dance dramas, recitations, dance programmes, Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti (songs).
Asked about immigration formalities, Sharma said, "We are contemplating to stop functioning of the immigration desk for one or two hours while the retreat ceremony is on."
Sharma hoped the retreat ceremonies on both sides of the border, would boost tourism.
