Sikh Yatrees Celebrate Vaisakhi in Pakistan
APP
Lahore: Grand celebrations were held across Punjab to welcome Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan for Vaisakhi and the birth anniversary of the Khalsa.
Thousands of yatrees gathered at key religious sites—including Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur—to perform their sacred rituals with deep devotion.
A major highlight of the festivities was the traditional wheat harvesting ceremony at the historic fields of Baba Guru Nanak, symbolizing both spiritual reverence and cultural unity.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, and CEO of the Project Management Unit Abubakar Aftab Qureshi. Pilgrims passionately chanted “Bole So Nihal” as they took part in the harvest.
To enhance the festive spirit, a Kabaddi match was organized under the joint supervision of the Project Management Unit Kartarpur and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The lively celebration featured traditional Punjabi dances such as Bhangra, while slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” echoed throughout the crowd—a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the pilgrims.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora expressed his pride in welcoming Sikh pilgrims from across the globe. “It is an honour for Pakistan to host this sacred gathering.
The Punjab government and the Evacuee Trust Property Board remain committed to preserving Sikh heritage and providing world-class facilities to our guests,” he stated. He also lauded Saifullah Khokhar for his outstanding coordination of the celebrations and arrangements.
Pilgrims conveyed deep appreciation for the hospitality extended to them, describing Pakistan as their “spiritual home.” Many expressed emotional connections to the sacred sites, saying the atmosphere instilled in them a powerful sense of belonging.
Currently, two major groups of pilgrims are en route to Lahore via different routes. One group, comprising 65 buses, is arriving from Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal, while another—traveling in 62 buses—is making its way from Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, via Gurdwara Rohri Sahib, Eminabad, to Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.
After a one-day stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, the Indian Sikh pilgrims are scheduled to return to India via the Wagah Border on April 19.
