2400 Indian Sikh pilgrims reached Pakistan

Panja Sahib has been decorated with new colours, decorations and electric lights.

Lahore: 2400 Indian Sikh pilgrims reached Pakistan at Wagah border to participate in Khalsa Janam Day and Vasakhi Mela 2024 celebrations.Pradhan PSGPC Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid, Sardar Mampal Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Stawant Kaur, Provincial Transport Minister and other Sikh dignitaries welcomed the guests and presented flower bouquets by the Chairman Board.

Talking to the media at the Wagah border, Party leader Kulant Singh and Deputy Party Leader Amarjit Singh thanked the government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board and said that they are very happy to come to Pakistan. Millions of Sikhs are eager for the pilgrimage. Rana Shahid said that according to the orders of Chairman Board Arshad Farid Khan, all arrangements for security accommodation, transport, medical and other facilities are complete.

Panja Sahib has been decorated with new colours, decorations and electric lights. The ETPB spokesperson said that While all arrangements are complete in Guru Dwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib by the technical team and other gurdwaras. The officers and security staff of Evacuee Trust Property Board are busy serving the pilgrims day and night. Better arrangements have also been made for journalists for media coverage. The main event of Vaisakhi Mela will be held today, Sunday, April 14, at Gurudwara Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal. The Sikh pilgrims will return to India after completing their 10-day pilgrimage on April 22.

Gurdwara Panja Sahib  is a famous gurdwara located in Hasan Abdal, Pakistan. The shrine is considered to be particularly important as the handprint of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, is believed to be imprinted on a boulder at the gurdwara.

History

Guru Nanak along with Bhai Mardana reached Hasan Abdal in Baisakh Samwat 1578 B.K., corresponding to the summer of 1521 CE, when according to Sikh legend, Guru Nanak’s handprint was imprinted onto a boulder. The Gurdwara was named Panja Sahib by Hari Singh Nalwa, the most famous general of the Sikh Empire. He is credited with having built the first gurdwara at the site.