On Sunday, April 9th, more than 2,800 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore, Pakistan, via the Wagah border to participate in the annual Baisakhi festival. The festival, which celebrates the Sikh New Year, is one of the most important events in the Sikh calendar and draws large numbers of pilgrims from around the world.
During their visit, the Sikh pilgrims will participate in the main event at Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal on April 14th. Additionally, they will visit other significant religious sites such as Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib.
Evacuee Trust Property Board Additional Secretary Rana Shahid welcomed the Sikh pilgrims and assured them that all arrangements related to clean drinking water, clean washrooms, trains, sitting arrangements, and security have been made available for the Sikh yatrees. After attending the main ceremony at the Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hasanabdal), the pilgrims would also visit Nankana Sahib and other places, he added.
The Sikh pilgrims expressed their happiness in visiting Pakistan, and commented on the impressive arrangements made by the Pakistan government for them. They also appreciated the hospitality of the people of Pakistan, who promote peace in the subcontinent and send a message of brotherhood.
After performing religious rituals, the Sikh pilgrims will leave for India on April 18th. It should be noted that every year, a large number of Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to participate in various religious festivals and events, reflecting the shared cultural and historical heritage of the two countries.
