Indian Sikh pilgrims reach Pakistan for Guru Arjan Dev Ji anniversary observances

LAHORE: Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to take part in the 420th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the annual Jor Mela, in what officials and community representatives described as an important development in religious ties between Sikh communities in Pakistan and India.

The commemorations are set to be observed jointly by Sikh pilgrims from both countries for the first time in 14 years after issues linked to the date of observance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary were resolved.

Reception at Wagah

Speaking at the reception ceremony at the Wagah border, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said around 700 Sikh pilgrims from India had arrived in Pakistan. He said Sikh devotees had been waiting for such an opportunity in previous years and described the arrival of the Indian pilgrims this year as a historic moment.

Arora said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and fostering closer links among people. He also said Pakistan was not the second but the first home of Sikhs around the world because of the land’s religious importance for the Sikh faith.

Referring to an award he recently received in the United States, Arora dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying it reflected collective efforts for the welfare of Sikh pilgrims and the preservation of religious heritage.

Pilgrim representatives welcome joint observance

Indian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Parmjeet Singh said the dispute over the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary had continued for the past 14 years. He appreciated Pakistan for extending a warm welcome to the pilgrims and for making arrangements for the religious events.

Another Sikh leader from India, Gurmeet Singh Gaggi, said a consensus had been achieved to jointly mark the martyrdom anniversary. He called the gathering of Sikh devotees from both countries after 14 years a positive and memorable development and acknowledged the cooperation provided by the Pakistani authorities.

Visas and arrangements

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq told the media that Pakistan had issued 737 visas to Indian Sikh devotees for the occasion. He said the main ceremony for the martyrdom anniversary and Jor Mela would be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.

Mushtaq said the Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had jointly set up reception arrangements at Wagah. He added that, because of intense heat, cold drinking water, refreshments and other facilities had been provided for the pilgrims, while special steps were taken to speed up immigration and customs clearance.

After the reception, the pilgrims were transported to Nankana Sahib in special buses. According to officials, all relevant departments had completed arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of religious rituals and related events and to provide the pilgrims with facilities during their stay in Pakistan.