Comments on: Wagah Crossing Border Ritual

By: ARLAN DEAN

ARLAN DEAN — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:05:01 +0000

...and it beats the hell outta lobbing bullets, howitzer shells or nukes at each other...

By: Ajan

Ajan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:31:35 +0000

That isn't racist stuff. Its just the feeling of the non ally nations... Its a nice way to attract tourists.

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:16:33 +0000

The most reassuring overt display of hostility Ive ever seen.

By: Anwin

Anwin — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:46:32 +0000

This is something thats happening for a long long time. And until now the real significance has escaped me, even though being an Indian. However, its quite funny . I believe it not to be racist but a way of showing that things are not alright between the two countries. And it has become a tourist spectacle right now and I am sure both countries don't want to stop this right now...maybe waiting for the other country to take the first step.

By: Daniel Kim

Daniel Kim — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:42:48 +0000

This is seriously scary stuff sometimes. While things are relatively calm between the two countries, rituals of this sort can be a 'peaceful' way to express their unhappiness with each other without bloodshed. The trouble is that, if the political situation gets too hot, the grandstanding and posturing can easily turn into a riot, with uncontrollable individual violence.

It does remind me of any number of nature shows with ritualized combat between competing animals. Lots of bristling and puffing to show who is boss, with only occasional actual full-contact action. Come to think of it, any crosstown high school football game in the South probably has a similar feel, except without guns.

In any case, I imagine the participants are quite conscious of the need to put on an authentic show of bellicosity and face-saving gestures for the benefit of the fans. They seem to work hard to make sure that the people on their side of the fence are satisfied that national pride and dignity are preserved, while maintaining strict symmetry with the other side to keep things from going overboard.

By: The Foreigner

The Foreigner — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 03:54:49 +0000

Reminds me a bit of break-dance "battles".

By: Stacyj

Stacyj — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:56:57 +0000

Wow, I'd never known such a ritual existed, I -love- that. The obvious collaboration throughout was great - and the handshake at the end truly MADE the whole thing for me, I actually got goosebumps from that. How glorious to have a ritual that riles up patriotic fervor yet STILL (and far more importantly imo) demonstrates respect for the other guy at the same time.

By: aaa

aaa — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:42:02 +0000

Ugh, that is some seriously ugly, racist sh*t.

By: Ali S.

Ali S. — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 21:27:10 +0000

I've always wanted to go and see this just to see the two sides strut their stuff in an aggressive manner yet have the good natured decency to shake hands! This is how all tensions should be dealt out. Goosesteps, furious mustached huffing and then a handshake.

Besides, I'm sure both nations realize this is better than pointing guns at one another! Plus, the tourists coming in would certainly make it quite an incentive to continue this awesome tradition!

By: Myleti

Myleti — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:40:01 +0000

Jeff Bell is absolutely right.

I recognize Michael's voice everywhere. The name of the program is simply "Himalaya". He has a new series coming out called Michael Palin's New Europe, for all those who are interested.

By: BelchSpeak

BelchSpeak — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:25:11 +0000

That was the coolest thing I've seen today! Thanks!

By: Jeff Bell

Jeff Bell — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:01:51 +0000

The Python reference is particularly apt, since the narrator is Michael Palin.

This video is from one of his travel shows. He did one on "around the world in 80 days" and another was "pole to pole". This one was something about traveling the himalayas end to end.