Nearly 3,000 Indian Sikhs are set to travel to Pakistan to participate in Baisakhi festivities, officials confirmed. The pilgrimage will take place under the framework of the 1974 India-Pakistan protocol on visits to religious shrines.
The devotees will visit historic gurdwaras in Punjab province, including the revered Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The celebrations mark the birth anniversary of Khalsa Panth, a significant event in Sikh tradition.
Authorities in Pakistan have announced special arrangements for the visiting pilgrims, including security, accommodation, and transport facilities. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee are coordinating the preparations.
On the Indian side, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has facilitated the travel of devotees, ensuring smooth coordination with Pakistani authorities. The group is expected to stay for several days to participate in religious ceremonies and community gatherings.
The annual pilgrimage reflects the cultural and spiritual ties between Sikh communities across borders and underscores the importance of preserving access to historic shrines despite political differences.
