Sikh pilgrims from India arrived at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on April 18 as part of the ongoing Vaisakhi Mela and Khalsa Janmotsav celebrations organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). The visit marks a significant cultural and religious exchange during one of Sikhism’s most important festivals.
The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Secretary ETPB, Farid Iqbal, and Additional Secretary Shrines, Saifullah Khokhar. Their journey included visits to several sacred Gurdwaras across Pakistan.
The first group, traveling in 65 buses, reached Lahore from Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal. The second group, comprising 62 buses, arrived from Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur after stopping at Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad.
Prior to reaching Lahore, the yatris also offered prayers and performed religious rituals at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
Special events and ceremonies were organized by the ETPB to honor the visiting pilgrims. Deeply moved by the hospitality they received, the Sikh devotees raised enthusiastic chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” in appreciation.
During their stay in Lahore on April 18, the pilgrims will visit local markets and buy gifts for their families. They are scheduled to return to India through the Wagah Border on the morning of April 19, 2025.
