2,100 Indian Sikhs reach Pakistan for Guru Nanak birth anniversary

Around 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan to participate in events marking the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, with commemorations being held under the supervision of the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

The pilgrims were warmly received at the Wagah border by ETPB Chairman Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq, and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Senior Sikh leaders, including Jathedar Akal Takht Kaldeep Singh Gargaj, SGPC group leader Bibi Gurinder Kaur, and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee representative Ravinder Singh Sawhney, were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Mushtaq said pilgrims are being provided accommodation, meals, transport, and medical facilities during their stay. After completing immigration and customs formalities, the pilgrims departed for Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib via special buses.

The main ceremony to mark the birth anniversary will be held on November 5 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, where federal and provincial ministers are expected to attend. All gurdwaras in Nankana Sahib, including the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak, have been decorated with illuminated displays for the celebrations. Security and medical arrangements, including Rescue 1122 and ETPB medical teams, along with backup generators, have been put in place.

The pilgrims will visit multiple religious sites during their 10-day stay and will return to India on November 13. Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan welcomed the visiting devotees, saying Pakistan is honoured to host Sikh pilgrims for this sacred occasion.