Pakistan has issued more than 6,500 visas to Indian SIKH pilgrims to the upcoming Baisakhi festival, the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi said on Monday.

Spring Harvest Festival, primarily celebrated in Punjab and Northern India, marks the beginning of Sikh -New Year and symbolizes spiritual renewal.

Parties will center around Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, located approx. 45 kilometers northwest of Islamabad. Pilgrims are also expected to visit other important places, including Gurdwara Nankana Sajib and Gurdwara Kartarpur SaHib during the visit 10 to 19 April.

“The large number of visas issued by Pakistan’s government is a manifestation of our policy to promote harmony and promote understanding between people, cultures and religions,” said Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi, quoted in the official statement.

“Pakistan would continue to facilitate such visits to sacred and sacred places,” the official added.

Panja Sajib -the shrine is honored for a cliff that is believed to carry the handprint of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Baisakhi is also reminded of the formation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, representing spiritual awakening and commitment.

Indian SIKH pilgrims regularly travel to Pakistan for religious observations under the Pakistan-India protocol in 1974 on visits to religious shrines.