Thousands visit Panja Sahib to honour Guru Nanak

Devotees from India, Canada, the US and other countries join 556th birth anniversary

ATTOCK:

Thousands of Sikh pilgrims, including more than 2,100 from India, gathered at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassanabdal to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism.

Under tight security, Sikh pilgrims arrived at the Gurdwara to perform their religious rituals. Pilgrims from both within Pakistan and abroad gathered at the sacred site to take part in the celebrations.

The Gurdwara complex was beautifully adorned with flowers, flags, banners, and posters, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Pilgrims from across the world - including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada - travelled to Pakistan to take part in the celebrations.

The festivities commenced early in the morning, with devotees performing a ritual bath in the holy pond before participating in a range of religious observances, such as Akhand Paath, Matha Tekna, and Shabad Kirtan. Many pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and arrangements made to facilitate their visit.

The district administration, in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC), made extensive arrangements to ensure a comfortable stay for all pilgrims in Hassanabdal.

To guarantee their safety, strict security measures were enforced, with more than 3,000 police personnel deployed to provide foolproof protection. All roads leading to the Gurdwara were sealed off by law enforcement agencies, including the police, Elite Force, and other security officials.

Local markets and bazaars remained closed as part of the security plan, underscoring the authorities' commitment to maintaining a peaceful and secure environment for the devotees.