Thousands Gather in Pakistan to Celebrate First Sikh Guru's Anniversary day

Lahore-Sikh pilgrims from various parts of world including India, Canada, United Kingdom and from inside the country especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached Nankana Sahib to take part in Baba Guru Nanak’s 549th birth anniversary celebrations at main Palki procession on Saturday.

According to Sikh rituals all pilgrims wash their feet before entering the Janam Asthan.

The Palki procession, also called Nagar Kirtan with Garanth Sahib, kicked off from Gurdwara Janam Asthan and concluded at the main religious ceremony after passing from seven other gurdwaras in Nankana Sahib including Paiti Sahib, Palia Sahib, Tambu Sahib, Panjhvin Padshahi, Chehnvin Padshahi, Salji Sahib and Giyara Sahib.

Talking to Daily Pakistan, group leader Sardar Gurmeet Singh said Sikh pilgrims bring message of peace, friendship and harmony to Pakistan and always receive very friendly response from the people here. “Pakistan is the land of Sikh Gurus and Sikhs love this land. Therefore, we promote Sikh-Muslim friendship,” he said.

Over 2,600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in the country Thursday to attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Siddiqul Farooq welcomed the Sikh pilgrims at Wagah Railway Station.

Soon after their arrival, the pilgrims left for Janum Asthan of Baba Guru Nanak at Nankana Sahib.

The pilgrims praised Pakistan’s arrangements for Yatrees stating ‘they have won our hearts’.

Kamal Jeet Kaur, who is settled in England, said: “We have felt so much love here. We have come for the first time and have found Pakistan a peaceful country.”