Amritsar, April 11 – A contingent of Sikh devotees embarked on a religious pilgrimage from Amritsar to Pakistan on the occasion of Baisakhi, one of the most significant festivals in Sikhism. The group left through the Attari-Wagah border and will visit various revered gurdwaras in Pakistan over the next few days as part of the Baisakhi celebrations.
The visit is conducted under the framework of the India-Pakistan Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, signed in 1974. This bilateral agreement allows religious pilgrims from both nations to visit important spiritual sites in each other’s countries. The annual pilgrimage to Pakistan during Baisakhi is one such arrangement, coordinated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board.
Among the major shrines that the devotees are scheduled to visit are Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. These gurdwaras hold immense religious significance for the Sikh community, and visiting them during the auspicious Baisakhi festival carries deep spiritual meaning.
Before departing, a special ardas (prayer) was performed at the SGPC headquarters in Amritsar, where community leaders and family members of the pilgrims gathered to offer their blessings. Many of the pilgrims expressed their joy and emotional sentiments, as the journey offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with the sacred heritage across the border.
SGPC officials stated that all arrangements regarding visas, travel, and accommodation had been smoothly coordinated. “We are thankful to both governments for facilitating this spiritual journey. Pilgrimages like these not only deepen religious devotion but also strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan,” said an SGPC spokesperson.
Security and health precautions have also been arranged for the pilgrims. The Indian and Pakistani authorities have ensured that proper checks and assistance are in place during the visit, especially considering the large number of senior citizens among the pilgrims.
Baisakhi, which marks the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is celebrated with great devotion by Sikhs around the world. This pilgrimage reflects the cultural and historical links that transcend modern political borders, offering a message of unity, peace, and mutual respect.
