After nearly two weeks of suspension due to heightened security concerns, the Border Security Force (BSF) has announced the resumption of the daily retreat ceremony at three Punjab border locations. Public access to the event, which was closed on May 8, will resume on Wednesday, May 21, following Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

In a statement issued on Monday, the BSF’s Punjab Frontier, headquartered in Jalandhar, confirmed that the ceremony will be held from Tuesday, May 20, exclusively for accredited media personnel. Public attendance will be permitted a day later, with the flag-lowering event scheduled for 6 PM.

The retreat ceremony, a popular daily spectacle held at Attari (Amritsar), Hussainiwala (Ferozepur), and Sadki (Fazilka), had been temporarily suspended for public viewing. Although the ritual lowering of the Indian and Pakistani flags continued during the closure, traditional elements like the ceremonial handshake between BSF personnel and Pakistan Rangers and the opening of the border gates were paused.

According to officials, these gestures of military camaraderie will remain suspended even as the ceremony resumes for the public. “The ceremony will take place, but without the handshakes or gate-opening rituals,” reiterated BSF officials.

This measured reopening indicates an effort to maintain public engagement while reflecting the continued diplomatic strain and caution along the India-Pakistan border in the aftermath of recent hostilities.