Thousands of yatris welcomed in Panja Sahib during 556th birthday celebrations
Sikh devotees participate in the Baisakhi festival at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassanabdal. PHOTO: ONLINE/FILE
About 2,000 Indian pilgrims were safely transported back to Kartarpur after completing their rituals and participating in the three-day celebrations at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. They had arrived in Pakistan to participate in the events marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued over 2,100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India under the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1974), facilitating cross-border participation in the religious events. In addition to the pilgrims from India, hundreds of devotees from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia also joined this year’s commemorations.
Indian pilgrims joined the celebrations, with the first batch of nearly 700 yatris being escorted to the gurdwara under tight security. Deputy Commissioner Attock and District Police Officer (DPO) Sardar Moazzam Khan welcomed the guests with floral garlands, while the Indian pilgrims expressed their happiness at the warm welcome by the Pakistani authorities.
Read: Thousands visit Panja Sahib to pay homage to Guru Nanak
Minority Affairs Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also visited Gurdwara Panja Sahib. The minister was accompanied by Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh, who is on a special visit.
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism, was born in Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan), where the most important ceremony marking his birthday is held every year. The celebrations – observed by Sikhs worldwide – symbolize peace, devotion and interfaith harmony, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to preserving religious heritage.
This year marks the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, celebrated from November 4 to 13 with major events on:
-
Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib – the birthplace of Guru Nanak.
-
Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal – associated with one of his miracles.
-
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal – where Guru Nanak spent his last years.
“India needs to bring a positive change in its attitude and its policy,” Arora said, adding that Pakistan provides full religious freedom to minorities. He noted that India has kept the Kartarpur corridor closed since May 7, calling Kartarpur a historic gift from Pakistan to Sikhs.
The pilgrimage marked the first major cross-border movement since the May 2025 conflict, which temporarily closed the Wagah-Attari border. Earlier in September, India had barred pilgrims from attending Guru Nanak’s 486th death anniversary in Pakistan.
Jathedar Singh, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, said the Sikh community shares a deep emotional bond with the country of Pakistan.
Read more: Indians arrive for Guru’s anniversary
Religious observances included Akhand Paath, Bhog ceremonies, Matha Tekna and Shabad Kirtan, held in an atmosphere of deep spiritual devotion. At Panja Sahib, devotees also performed ritual baths in the holy pond before prayers. The Gurdwaras were decorated with flowers, banners and flags, creating a vibrant festive environment.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and local administrations supervised arrangements made for security, accommodation, food and transport. More than 3,000 police officers were deployed in Hassan Abdal to ensure foolproof security. Roads leading to the gurdwara were sealed and nearby markets remained closed as part of the security plan.
After the completion of the three-day celebrations, Indian pilgrims departed from Panja Sahib and were transported under tight security in special buses to Kartarpur. About 2,000 Indian yatris participated in the three-day celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak’s birthday.
