The main ceremony of the 326th Khalsa birth anniversary and Baisakhi Mela is underway at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, including India, Canada, United States, and Europe attended the celebrations.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf attended the event as the chief guest. Other notable attendees include Provincial Minister and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani, and ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal.
Sikh pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the hospitality and arrangements provided by the Pakistani authorities. Indian Sikh leader Ravinder Singh Sarna of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) appreciated the efforts of the government and ETPB, citing excellent arrangements for accommodation, medical care, and transport. Gurmeet Singh, a pilgrim from India, also lauded the facilities and the warm welcome at various gurdwaras.
The main gurdwara at Nankana Sahib has been adorned with vibrant lights, and security has been beefed up around the premises.
As per the schedule, on April 15, a group of pilgrims will depart from Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal to Kartarpur's Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. Another group will travel to Panja Sahib for a day-long visit. Both groups will then proceed to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on April 17.
The Baisakhi Mela serves as a significant religious and cultural event, fostering interfaith harmony and showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding minority religious heritage.
On the occasion, Daljit Singh Sarna, a member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee (DGMC) from India, appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and said that Indian Sikh pilgrims were delighted to visit the sacred sites of their Gurus. He praised the arrangements and warm reception by the Pakistani authorities.
PM Shehbaz extends Baisakhi greetings to Sikhs in Pakistan and world over
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt greetings to the Sikh community in Pakistan and across the globe on the occasion of Baisakhi.
In his official message, the Prime Minister congratulated the Sikh community and acknowledged the significance of the festival.
He noted that Baisakhi is a time of great joy for farmers as they reap the rewards of their hard work. "This day serves as a reminder of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of renewal," he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz added that the festival brings communities together and contributes to the fabric of the nation.
“Let us move forward together to build a brighter, more inclusive, and stronger future,” he urged in his message.
Meanwhile, around 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India are expected to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow to participate in the annual Baisakhi Mela celebrations.
Pakistan has always advocated peace: Sardar Muhammad Yousaf
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, said on Sunday that Pakistan has always promoted peace and harmony in the region.
Speaking to the media in Nankana Sahib, he emphasized that all religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete freedom and their rights are fully protected.
The minister highlighted that the government has always respected the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims and taken practical steps to facilitate them.
He announced that 100 rooms of international standards are being constructed at Gurdwara Janam Asthan to accommodate Sikh pilgrims worldwide.
Furthermore, he shared that a monthly stipend is being provided to 10,000 children from Sikh and Hindu communities.
Efforts are underway to restore all gurdwaras across the country fully, he added.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf also revealed that work on the restoration project of Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh will commence soon.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Special Message
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended heartfelt greetings to the Sikh community on the occasion of Baisakhi, calling it a vibrant agricultural and cultural festival that represents the spirit of Punjab.
In her message, the Chief Minister said, “Baisakhi is a beautiful celebration of Punjab’s agricultural traditions. The golden wheat fields bring a message of joy and abundance.”
She acknowledged the tireless efforts of farmers, saying the Baisakhi festival is a reward for their hard work and dedication.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Sikh community on Baisakhi. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Sikh brothers and sisters in celebrating this joyous occasion,” she added.
Recalling her visit to Kartarpur last year, Maryam Nawaz said the joy she experienced during the Baisakhi festival and wheat harvest there remains unforgettable.
