More than 6,700 Indian Sikh Pilgrims in Pakistan for Baisakhi: A Historic Event
In a unique show of religious devotion and cross-country bonhomie, more than 6,700 Indian Sikh pilgrims have arrived in Pakistan to celebrate the annual Baisakhi festival. This is the largest group of Sikh pilgrims in five decades to visit Pakistan, highlighting the strong spiritual and cultural bonds between the two countries.
Record-Breaking Pilgrimage Figures
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi made this major pilgrimage possible by granting 2,843 visas to Sikh pilgrims, allowing them to take part in the Baisakhi celebrations to be held between April 13 and April 22. This grant is consistent with the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on visits to religious shrines, which is intended to encourage cultural and religious exchanges between the two neighboring countries.
Pilgrims Visit Sacred Gurdwaras
Upon their arrival, the pilgrims are visiting a number of historically and spiritually important Gurdwaras, such as Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Nankana Sahib, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born, and Kartarpur Sahib. They are all deeply important to Sikhism and draw pilgrims from around the globe.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The Baisakhi pilgrimage every year acts as a bridge between India and Pakistan, with the two governments joining hands to provide safety and comfort to the pilgrims as a sign of mutual respect for religious practices and peaceful coexistence.
Curly Tales
A Tradition of Pilgrimage
The Sikh pilgrims’ tradition of coming to Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi is old. Thousands have crossed the Wagah border in earlier years to mark the festival. For example, in April 2024, about 2,480 pilgrims participated in the festivities at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, which goes to show how old this religious pilgrimage is.
Looking Ahead
As the Baisakhi festivities take place, the presence of more than 6,700 pilgrims not only enhances the religious atmosphere of Pakistan but also strengthens the ties of common history and culture. This festival is a witness to the indomitable spirit of religious fervor and the ability of neighboring nations to engage positively.
