Indians arrive for Guru's anniversary

Sikh pilgrims from India on Tuesday arrived in Pakistan to attend the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the spiritual founder of Sikhism, in the first major crossing since deadly clashes in May closed the land border between the two countries.

The pilgrims were warmly received at the Wagah border, marking the beginning of a week-long series of religious and cultural events.

The main ceremony will take place on Wednesday (today) at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, where thousands of devotees from across the world are expected to gather for prayers and rituals.

This year, around 2,400 Sikh pilgrims have crossed over from India to participate in the festivities. Among them is 90-year-old Sardar Kundan Singh, who returned to his ancestral homeland for the first time since the Partition of 1947.

Originally from a village near Sheikhupura, Kundan Singh arrived with his son and daughter-in-law from Hoshiarpur, India. Speaking to The Express Tribune at Wagah Border, his eyes welled up with emotion as he recalled his childhood memories.

"I was 16 or 17 when I migrated with my parents to India. After so many decades, I have finally set foot on the soil where I was born. My friends are gone, but their memories are still alive," he said. "Coming to Pakistan feels like returning to my mother's embrace. I am grateful to the Government of Pakistan for allowing me to see my birthplace again."

The pilgrims were welcomed by Dr Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB); Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Punjab's Minister for Minority Affairs; and other senior officials.

Bibi Gurinder Kaur, who is leading the delegation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, said, "We are overwhelmed with joy to step onto the land of our Guru. Pakistan is as sacred to us as Makkah and Madinah are to Muslims."

Another pilgrim, Tarnjeet Kaur, expressed deep affection for Pakistan, calling it her maternal home. "I will take gifts, especially scarves, for my children to remind them of their roots," she said.

Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gurgaj of Akal Takht also lauded Pakistan's hospitality. "We are always received here with respect and love.

Our holy sites are well-preserved, and we are thankful to the Government of Pakistan, the ETPB, and the PSGPC," he noted.