Thousands mark Baisakhi with deep devotion

Over 6,000 pilgrims attend Bhog ceremony; 2,000 devotees arrive from India

HASSAN ABDAL:

The third day of the Baisakhi Festival celebrations in Hassan Abdal witnessed a vibrant display of religious devotion, as thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world continued to perform their sacred rituals on Tuesday.

The main ceremony, "Bhog", was held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib. The event was attended by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Punjab Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and other dignitaries. Approximately 6,000 pilgrims took part in the ceremony, including more than 2,200 Sikh pilgrims from India.

Addressing the gathering, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora extended a warm welcome to members of the Sikh community from India and other countries.

He said that Pakistan had issued 2,840 visas to Indian pilgrims, a substantial number of whom were able to visit. He emphasised that the respect and hospitality extended to the Sikh community in Pakistan are unparalleled, adding that the country continues to promote peace, harmony and interfaith coexistence.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf commended the arrangements made under the supervision of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for facilitating Sikh pilgrims.

He also revealed that a chairlift project at Sakhi Zinda Pir hill is under consideration to assist elderly visitors. In addition, efforts are underway to restore historic gurdwaras and temples to their original condition.

He reiterated that Pakistan is widely recognised as a proponent of peace, with its efforts towards global harmony gaining international acknowledgment.

Pilgrims participating in the Baisakhi festivities expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, describing Pakistan as a strong example of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.