TAXILA: More than 150 Sikhs from India and many others from across the country arrived at the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassababdal in the early hours of Sunday to celebrate ‘Jor Mela’, which is observed to mark the death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of Sikhism.

The event, which is also called Shaheedi Jor Mela was held to observe the 410th death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, who is believed to have been destined to be martyred for the Sikh cause.

All roads leading to the Sikh temple were sealed and barricades were installed along them and police commandoes were also deployed. Special security measures were adopted, with over 700 police personnel deployed on security duty.

On Sunday, religious pilgrims offered several religious rites including matha thek or the bowing of the head and ashnan or the holy bath. Hundreds of followers paid homage to the guru and prominent preachers narrated tales from the guru’s life and talked about the details of his martyrdom in the Mughal era.

Kirthi jathas or religious singing groups put on performances for the congregation and urged people to follow teachings of the fifth guru of Sikhim and to lead a pious and meaningful life.

Later, they also visited the shrine of Baba Wali Kandhari. Due to the harsh weather, the health department also established a special medical camp on the way to Baba Wali Kandhari which is located on a hill top in order to provide immediate treatment to pilgrims.

Talking to media persons, Indian Sikhs Group leader Sarwar Tana Singh said they were happy to visit their holy places.

He said Sikh pilgrims had always been welcomed by Pakistani authorities.

Also talking to media persons on Sunday, Deputy Secretary Shrines of the Evacuee Trust Property Board Imran Gondal said pilgrims were being provided with improved facilities and accommodation at the gurdwara.

He said walk through gates and CCTV cameras had been installed as well and that other fool proof arrangements had been made in collaboration with the district administration and law enforcement agencies.

He added that pilgrims will also visit the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 13, where the main event for the ceremony will be held and will stay in Lahore till June 16. They will return home on June 17.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2016