Guru Nanak's birth anniversary: Sikh community protests against ban on fireworks
Sikh pilgrims reach the most revered holy site Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal.
The Sikh community protested against the ban on the use of fireworks at the birth anniversary of their spiritual leader Baba Guru Nanak Dev, Express 24/7 reported Friday.
The protest was launched against Nankana Sahib’s District Coordination Officer Muhammad Hassan Iqbal. Protestors said that they had assured him of the safety of other people while using firecrackers.
(Read: The other pilgrimage: Only those who the Guru calls go to Nankana Sahib singing and dancing)
The protestors said that the DCO initially agreed to the use of fireworks but minutes prior to the main celebrations, he prohibited the use of them.
A clash was also reported to have taken place between members of the Sikh community and the police, amid which the DCO exited the Gurdwara without taking any action.
(Read: Guru Nanak Anniversary: Delegation inspects ritual site)
Pakistan Gurdwara Administration Committee representatives announced their resignation during a press conference in the aftermath of the protests.
Pilgrims arrive at Gurdwara Punja Sahib
The Sikh pilgrims have now reached the most revered holy site Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal.
Recitations from the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib and supplications will be held at the Gurdwara and the pilgrims will then head to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
The Sikh pilgrims who have come from India will be heading back on November 16 in special trains.
A slideshow of pictures from the pilgrimage can be viewed here.
The protest was launched against Nankana Sahib’s District Coordination Officer Muhammad Hassan Iqbal. Protestors said that they had assured him of the safety of other people while using firecrackers.
(Read: The other pilgrimage: Only those who the Guru calls go to Nankana Sahib singing and dancing)
The protestors said that the DCO initially agreed to the use of fireworks but minutes prior to the main celebrations, he prohibited the use of them.
A clash was also reported to have taken place between members of the Sikh community and the police, amid which the DCO exited the Gurdwara without taking any action.
(Read: Guru Nanak Anniversary: Delegation inspects ritual site)
Pakistan Gurdwara Administration Committee representatives announced their resignation during a press conference in the aftermath of the protests.
Pilgrims arrive at Gurdwara Punja Sahib
The Sikh pilgrims have now reached the most revered holy site Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal.
Recitations from the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib and supplications will be held at the Gurdwara and the pilgrims will then head to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
The Sikh pilgrims who have come from India will be heading back on November 16 in special trains.
A slideshow of pictures from the pilgrimage can be viewed here.