“Religious Harmony Prevails: 98 Hindu Pilgrims Cross Wagah Border for Sacred Celebrations in Pakistan”

Heartwarming Welcome for Indian Hindu Pilgrims as Pakistan Celebrates 315th Birth Anniversary of Shiva Avatar Satguru Sant Swami Shadaram.

ISLAMABAD: A group of 98 Hindu pilgrims from India crossed the Wagah border on Tuesday, December 12th, to partake in the joyous celebrations marking the 315th birth anniversary of “Shiva Avatar Satguru Sant Swami Shadaram.” This cultural exchange underscores the enduring religious harmony between Pakistan and India.

The pilgrims received a warm welcome from officials, including Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid Saleem and Deputy Secretary Shrines Amjad Altaf. After completing customs and immigration formalities, the pilgrims were treated to a meal before heading to Shadani Darbar in Hayat Patafi to commence their religious rituals.

The three-day celebrations, led by Sant Shadani Yudhishtar Lal, are scheduled from December 13th to 15th at Shadani Darbar. The Abandoned Waqf Property Board, in collaboration with provincial and federal security agencies, has meticulously arranged for a safe and successful event.

Under the established protocol between Pakistan and India, approximately 130 Hindu pilgrims were issued visas for the Shadani Darbar pilgrimage this year. Visa applications were processed through the prescribed channels, facilitated by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

The pilgrimage itinerary encompasses visits to various temples and religious sites, including Mathilo, Khanpur Meher, Adalpur, Dhadki, Sukkur, Pannu Aqil, Rohri, Chandu Ram Colony, Chandu Ram Darbar, and Gurudwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib. Hindu pilgrims will partake in poojas, attend special events, and engage in cultural activities throughout their journey.

The pilgrims are set to return to India on Saturday, December 23rd, through the Wagah border crossing. Their arrival and participation in these religious celebrations underscore the deep-rooted cultural exchange and religious harmony between Pakistan and India.

During the welcoming ceremony, Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid Saleem expressed the Pakistani government’s warm reception towards Hindu pilgrims, emphasizing the constitutional protection of minority rights since Pakistan’s inception. He highlighted the prosperous lives of Hindus, Sikhs, Bahais, Parsis, and others residing across Pakistan and mentioned the dedicated funds for the maintenance of religious shrines.

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Pradhan of the Hindu Pilgrim Group, Yudhishtar Lal, expressed gratitude to the Pakistani authorities for the exceptional welcome and arrangements. Lal acknowledged the annual tradition of pilgrims coming to Pakistan for religious rituals and noted the increasing respect and care provided by the Pakistani government for ancient temples in the country.

The ongoing development projects and efforts to preserve cultural and religious heritage further emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to fostering unity and respect among diverse communities.