By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: In connection with the Vaisakhi festival and the celebration of Khalsa’s Janam din, grand ceremonies were organized at various holy sites across Punjab in honour of the Sikh pilgrims. The yatrees performed their religious rituals with devotion and reverence at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassan Abdal, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
As part of the Vaisakhi festivities, Sikh leaders participated in the traditional harvesting of wheat at the historical fields of Baba Guru Nanak. The event was graced by the presence of Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and Pardhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, CEO of the Project Management Unit Abubakar Aftab Qureshi, and other dignitaries. The pilgrims expressed their joy and spiritual connection with the land by chanting “Bole So Nihal” during the harvesting ceremony.
A Kabaddi match was also held under the joint supervision of the Project Management Unit Kartarpur and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as part of the celebrations. The Sikh pilgrims thoroughly enjoyed the match and took part in traditional Punjabi dances including Bhangra, showcasing their joy and gratitude. Many pilgrims were seen chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” in a heartfelt display of appreciation.
Addressing the gathering, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said it was an honour for Pakistan to welcome Sikh pilgrims from around the world for Vaisakhi. He emphasized the Punjab Government’s and Evacuee Trust Property Board’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Sikh religious sites and ensuring top-quality facilities for the pilgrims. He also appreciated Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar for his excellent coordination and outstanding arrangements for the pilgrims.
Sikh pilgrims expressed deep gratitude for the love, warmth, and hospitality they received in Pakistan, referring to the country as their spiritual home. They remarked that the atmosphere in Pakistan made them feel a deep sense of belonging.
Two major groups of Sikh pilgrims are arriving in Lahore via different routes. The first group, comprising 65 buses, is arriving from Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal. The second group, consisting of 62 buses, is travelling from Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, via Gurdwara Rohri Sahib, Eminabad, before reaching Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.
After a one-day stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Indian Sikh pilgrims will return to India via the Wagah Border on April 19.
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