To celebrate the auspicious festival of Baisakhi, as many as 2,480 Indian Sikh pilgrims reached Pakistan on April 13. They crossed the international border through the Attari-Wagah check post. The Baisakhi celebration in Pakistan took place at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. After this celebration, the pilgrims will also visit other historic gurdwaras in the neighbouring country before returning to India on April 22.
2,480 Indian Sikh Pilgrims Travel To Pakistan To Celebrate Baisakhi
On April 13, around 2,480 Indian Sikhs reached Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi. They were welcomed and escorted by the Pakistan government authorities and the officials from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC). These celebrations took place at the popular Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Pakistan’s Hasan Abdal city.
Sri Nankana Sahib before Vaisakhi Celebrations. pic.twitter.com/LIMVe63Ez3
— Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCPakistan) April 8, 2024
Around 2,975 visa applications were received by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to take part in this annual celebration. However, around 2,400 pilgrims could make it to the celebration across the border. These Indian pilgrims crossed the international border at the Attari-Wagah check post. From there, they were taken to Hasan Abdal via a train. They were provided security cover by the Pakistani police and the Rangers.
Besides India, Pakistan also welcomed foreign Sikh pilgrims from Canada, the US, the UK, the US, Australia, and New Zealand for this annual celebration at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
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Pilgrims To Also Visit Various Historic Gurudwaras In Pakistan
According to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in Pakistan, the Indian pilgrims will be housed in hostels managed by the ETPB during their stay in the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, pilgrims from other countries will stay in various colleges and schools.
The Indian Sikh pilgrims plan to visit other gurudwaras in Pakistan during their stay as well. These include Gurdwara Janamasthen Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Sheikhupura, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Gujaranwala and Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore. They will return to India on April 22.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia & Facebook/Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
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