The Petrapole-Benapole joint retreat ceremony was inaugurated on 6 November 2013 by the Home Minister at ICP Petrapole in the presence of Home Minister of Bangladesh. It is a daily military exercise similar to the Wagah Border Ceremony and engages soldiers of Border Security Force (India) and the Border Guards Bangladesh.

The Petrapole-Benapole Border Ceremony takes place every evening from 1630–1700. This Joint Retreat Ceremony of 30 minutes resulting in lowering of national flags of India and Bangladesh is jointly conducted by BSF (Border Security Force) and BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh).

The "Wagah of the East" as it is known, the Petrapole-Benapole Border Ceremony starts off with the opening of gates on India and Bangladesh side. After a quick friendly handshake between the BSF and BGB infantrymen, the soldiers march into the "no man's land" in their respective ceremonial dresses and battle dress uniform.

The Petrapole retreat ceremony has taken inspiration from the much popular Wagah Border ceremony. Ceremonial theatrics by the BSF and BGB are at the heart of the ceremony and is attended by Military officials of both countries. The ceremonial parade ends before sunset and the flags of either country are lowered. The gates on either side of the border are closed for the day.

Since the Petrapole-Benapole Border Retreat Ceremony was initiated in 2013, not many tourists are aware of this event. The crowd at the ceremony consists mostly of local people and very few tourists. After the retreat ceremony, the BSF jawans pose for a photoshoot with civilians or tourist. You can pose for pictures with the BSF soldiers in their ceremonial dress.

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