Nearly 3,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims have arrived in Lahore via the Wahga Border to participate in the 555th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak. Provincial ministers Ramesh Singh Arora and Bilal Akbar Khan, along with the Secretary of the ETPB Fareed Iqbal, AS Shrines, Saifullah Khokhar, and members of the PSGPC warmly welcomed the pilgrims. The provincial ministers presented the bouquets and reviewed activities at the immigration counters.
Speaking to the media, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the PSGPC Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, expressed that Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, extends a warm welcome to the Sikh pilgrims. On the Chief Minister’s instructions, final arrangements for security and other facilities have been made. He further added that there is a deep bond of love and respect between all Pakistanis and their Sikh brothers. Pilgrims arriving from India express their happiness upon arrival and leave with cherished memories after their visit.
Ramesh Singh Arora also mentioned that Nankana Sahib has been beautifully decorated up to a 6-kilometer stretch, and this year, the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak will be celebrated in a historic manner to highlight Pakistan’s positive image globally. Provincial Minister for Transport, Bilal Akbar Khan, shared that transportation arrangements for the pilgrims have been meticulously planned. Special buses will transport the pilgrims from Wahga to Nankana Sahib.
Speaking with the media, Sardar Harjit Singh Pappa, leader of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, thanked the Government of Punjab, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for their warm welcome. Gurnam Singh Jassal, leader of the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, also expressed gratitude, highlighting the respect and love received by the Sikh community in Pakistan.
At Wahga Border, the pilgrims were served Langar (community meal), and then they were transported to Nankana Sahib in special buses. The main event of Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary will take place on November 15 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, where federal and provincial ministers will be the chief guests, along with religious and minority leaders. Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world will perform their religious rituals, followed by a special procession of the palki (palanquin) as per Sikh religious customs, which will conclude at a designated location.
After the main celebration, the pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Sacha Soda, Farooqabad, on November 16, before proceeding to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal, where they will stay for one day. On November 18, the pilgrims will travel to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, Narowal, where they will perform their religious rituals. On November 20, they will visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib, Aimanabad, via Gujranwala, and then proceed to Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. The Indian Sikh pilgrims will complete their 10-day visit and return to India on November 23 via the Wahga Border.
