The district administration of Nankana Sahib has announced the closure of all educational institutions for five days in anticipation of the annual Baisakhi festival, as thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across Pakistan, India, and around the world prepare to visit the city.

A formal notification has been issued, confirming that schools and colleges in the district will remain closed during the festivities to ensure smooth arrangements and security for the event.

The annual Baisakhi festival is being celebrated with religious fervour at the historic Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassanabdal. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and local administration have made arrangements for thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries.

An ETPB spokesperson told Samaa Digital, 5,890 Sikh pilgrims from India have arrived in Pakistan for the festival. The jatha (group) was divided into two batches — the first group, comprising 60 buses, arrived at Gurdwara Panja Sahib via Wagah Border, while the second group travelled late on Thursday night to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.

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The pilgrims are freely performing their religious rituals and have expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Pakistan government, including security, accommodation, medical care, and langar (free meals). Many pilgrims also thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their hospitality and warm welcome.

An ETPB spokesperson confirmed that the board and local authorities are fully engaged in providing services and ensuring a smooth experience for the visiting pilgrims.

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Every year, Baisakhi is celebrated with religious fervour by Sikhs across the globe, marking the birth of Khalsa and the start of the harvest season in Punjab. Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, holds deep spiritual significance for the Sikh community and becomes the focal point for celebrations.

Thousands of pilgrims are expected to arrive in the city, including jathas (groups) from India under the aegis of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). The district administration, along with law enforcement agencies, has ramped up preparations to ensure the safety and convenience of visitors.