Over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims arrive from India to celebrate Baisakhi
lahore — About 2,206 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived here at Wagah Railway Station on Friday to celebrate the Baisakhi festival. Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a historical and religious festival in Sikhism. It marks the new year.
The Sikh pilgrims were received by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Tahir Ehsan, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) Pardhan Sardar Tara Singh, local Sikh leaders and board officials.
Talking to media, the ETPB chairman said appropriate arrangements have been made for pilgrims, including security and medical treatment. He said a large number of Sikh pilgrims wanted to visit Pakistan on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak,
the founder of Sikhism. To celebrate the occasion, special arrangements would be made for pilgrims. “We congratulate Sikh pilgrims on Baisakhi,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, leader of Indian Sikh pilgrims Ravinder Singh Khalisa thanked the Pakistan government and the ETPB for
making outstanding arrangements for them. He said it was the desire of the Sikh community that a good number of visas should be issued on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, so that more pilgrims could attend the ceremonies.
He urged both countries to complete work on the Kartarpur Corridor as early as possible so that pilgrims could visit their sacred place frequently. Ravinder demanded that an inn should be established at Nankana Sahib to facilitate pilgrims and the visa period should also be extended from 10 days.
Soon after arrival, the pilgrims left for Gurdawara Punja Sahib, Hassanabdal, on a special train.
The main ceremony of Baisakhi festival will be held at Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hassanabdal, on April 14. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noorul Haq Qadri and ETPB chairman Tahir Ehsan will be the chief guests on the occasion while Sikh and Hindu leaders from all over the world besides other political and social personalities will also participate in it.