The ministry of silly walks?

[jon-nyc]

No, changing of the guard on the India-Pakistan border.

[George K]

The border crossing at Wagah (sp) has been a spectator sport for decades. I think I posted it in the Old New Coffee Room.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagah-Attari_border_ceremony

The ceremony starts with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides and ends up in the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations' flags.[3] It is called the Beating Retreat border ceremony on the international level. One infantryman stands at attention on each side of the gate. As the sun sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The flags are folded and the ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the closing of the gates again. The spectacle of the ceremony attracts many visitors from both sides of the border, as well as international tourists.[3] In October 2010, Major General Yaqub Ali Khan of the Pakistan Rangers decided that the aggressive aspect of the ceremonial theatrics should be toned down. The soldiers of this ceremony are specially appointed and trained for this auspicious ceremony.

And of course...

They also have a beard and moustache policy for which they are paid additionally.

[xenon]

I've seen it in person. It's weird. Both sides have bleacher seating and they cheer on their guys.

The soldiers are all a good 3 standard deviations taller than the average Indian / Pak guy as well.

It's like the same sports game everyday - where no one wins and the crowd always goes nuts.

[George K]

@xenon said in The ministry of silly walks?:

It's like the same sports game everyday - where no one wins and the crowd always goes nuts.

Perfect description

[taiwan_girl]

@xenon said in The ministry of silly walks?:

The soldiers are all a good 3 standard deviations taller than the average Indian / Pak guy as well.

Same with the guards at the DMZ border between ROK and the DPRK.