Indian Sikh pilgrims arrive in Lahore for Jore Mela observances

LAHORE: Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India entered Pakistan through the Wagah border on Wednesday to take part in commemorations marking the death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, known as Jore Mela.

Punjab Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq and officials of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee received the visiting pilgrims at Wagah.

Speaking on the occasion, Arora said Pakistan’s land carried a message of peace, love and harmony. He also said the government had granted visas to all Sikh pilgrims who applied to attend the commemorative events.

Nasir Mushtaq said such a large number of Sikh pilgrims had come to Pakistan for the occasion after a gap of 14 years. He said the anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji was being observed in a spirit of unity and devotion.

According to Mushtaq, detailed arrangements were put in place for the pilgrims under the directions of ETPB Chairman Qamaruz Zaman. These included medical facilities, security measures and transport services. He added that special steps had also been taken to shield pilgrims from the intense summer heat, while CCTV cameras had been installed as part of the security plan.

Leaders of the Indian Sikh delegation, Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar and Parmjeet Singh, said they considered Pakistan their second home and described Sikh holy sites in the country as deeply sacred for their faith. They also said the sense of spiritual peace they felt on reaching Pakistan was beyond description and expressed the hope that love, goodwill and peace would continue to grow between the people of the two countries.

The main ceremony of Jore Mela is scheduled to be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.