In a move that promises to boost tourism and national pride, the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to launch a retreat ceremony at the Tanot Rai Mata Temple complex in Jaisalmer, similar to the iconic ceremony at the Wagah Border in Punjab’s Amritsar. Scheduled to begin early next year, the retreat ceremony will be a daily event, with BSF personnel ceremoniously lowering the Indian flag each evening.
To accommodate the ceremony, construction of an amphitheater at Tanot is in full swing. The facility will have seating for 1,030 people, ensuring that visitors can comfortably watch the evening parade, which will include a camel show and other cultural programs, making the event a significant attraction.
Tanot’s Strategic Importance
Tanot is situated just 20 kilometers from the Pakistan border, making it a location of strategic and historical significance. Although, unlike Wagah, there will not be Pakistani Rangers on the opposite side, the ceremony at Tanot will still replicate much of the grandeur and patriotism associated with the Wagah Border ceremony. This initiative aims to highlight the valor of the BSF and bring attention to the historical importance of this border area.
Key Attractions at the Tanot Complex
The amphitheater will be the centerpiece of the Tanot complex, hosting the daily parade and other ceremonies. Visitors can also explore a museum featuring a gallery of weapons, a Shaheed Wall, and a Mural Wall, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. The complex will also include a children’s recreation area, interaction zones, an audio-visual system, and stage lighting, enhancing the overall experience for tourists.
For convenience, the complex will offer a food court, surveillance systems, and solar-powered LED streetlights, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for visitors.
Government Investment in Border Tourism
Recognizing the potential of border tourism, the Central Government has sanctioned a project worth INR 17.67 crore for the development of the Tanot complex. Approved last year by the Ministry of Tourism, this project is expected to be completed within a year. The BSF has already completed 70% of the work, and the project spans 457 acres. The development includes a 434-square-meter amphitheater, a 686-square-meter interpretation center, a 434-square-meter cafeteria, a 183-square-meter VIP block, a souvenir shop, and toilet facilities.
Completion Expected by Year-End
The BSF is optimistic that the entire Tanot complex, including the retreat ceremony infrastructure, will be completed by the end of this year. According to Yogendra Singh Rathore, DIG, BSF Jaisalmer, the upcoming retreat ceremony at Tanot will not only enhance the area’s cultural and historical significance but will also provide a new avenue for tourism in the region.
The Tanot retreat ceremony, with its unique blend of tradition, patriotism, and cultural activities, is set to become a major draw for visitors, offering an experience that mirrors the spirit of the Wagah Border, while adding its own distinct flavor to the border tourism circuit.