Thousands of Sikh pilgrims arrive via Wagah border crossing for Baisakhi

LAHORE (RNN TV) — Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah Border on Wednesday to take part in the annual Vaisakhi Festival and the 326th anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa

The pilgrims were welcomed by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, alongside officials from the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

The visit is being facilitated under a bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan, with a total of 6,751 visas issued to Sikh pilgrims from various Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

According to officials, the visiting pilgrims will tour major Sikh religious sites across Punjab during their stay. The itinerary includes visits to Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad. The central ceremony for Vaisakhi will take place on April 14 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib.

The pilgrims have been divided into two groups to manage the schedule and logistics of their visits. The groups will travel separately to Kartarpur and Hassan Abdal, reconvening in Nankana Sahib ahead of the main event.

Speaking to the media, officials said arrangements have been made for accommodation, transportation, medical support, and security during the pilgrimage. Sites have been prepared in advance to receive the visitors, with additional efforts made to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.

The delegation is scheduled to conclude its visit with stops at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore and Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad before returning home.

This annual pilgrimage marks an important event for the Sikh community, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, and is a time of spiritual reflection and religious significance.