A group of 447 Indian Sikh pilgrims has arrived at the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal to participate in rituals marking the 185th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first ruler of the Sikh Empire. The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee upon their arrival.
Sardar Khushwant Singh, leading the group of pilgrims, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Pakistani government. “The people and government of Pakistan have always been welcoming and have taken good care of the Sikh holy sites, which is why the country and its people are so dear to the Sikhs,” he said. “We are feeling happy and comfortable here and we thank the government and the ETPB for making the best arrangements.”
Deputy Jatha leader Harjinder Kaur highlighted the significance of Pakistan to the Sikh community, noting that it is the birthplace and final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. She emphasized that Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary is an important event in the Sikh religious calendar. “Sikh pilgrims come to Pakistan with the message of love, peace, friendship, and harmony,” Ms. Kaur stated. She also expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for granting visas to the Sikh pilgrims, facilitating their participation in the religious ceremonies.
The arrival of the Sikh pilgrims and the observance of such events underscore the deep cultural and religious connections between Sikhs and Pakistan. The Pakistani government’s efforts to maintain and facilitate access to Sikh holy sites continue to foster goodwill and strengthen bilateral ties based on shared cultural heritage.
The pilgrims’ visit to Gurdwara Punja Sahib serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual bonds that transcend contemporary political boundaries, promoting a message of unity and mutual respect. As the Sikh community observes this solemn anniversary, their presence in Pakistan highlights the importance of preserving and respecting religious and cultural landmarks for future generations.