TAXILA, Nov 24: Followers of Sikhism from all over the world, particularly from India, visit Pakistan as pilgrims several times a year.

However, the most significant occasion for these pilgrims is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. His 544th anniversary celebrations recently concluded at Gurdwara Punja Sahib Hassanabdal on November 21.

Over 2,500 pilgrims arrived at Hassanabdal to take part in the celebrations and visit the Gurdwara and other Sikh temples.

Most of the foreign pilgrims came from India, the Middle East and European countries. However, several pilgrims from Sindh (including Hindus) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also arrived at the Gurdwara.

On Guru Nanak's birthday – known as Gurpurab –Sikhs from all over the world visit their Gurdwaras and listen to the teachings of their founder. At night, Sikh homes are lit with candles, lamps and lights to mark the occasion.

Hassanabdal is of great importance for Sikhs. They arrive here from all over the world every year to pay homage to Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

The visit of these pilgrims also plays a pivotal role in normalisation of relations between Pakistan and India as it enhances confidence building measures between the two countries.