NAROWAL: A large number of Sikh pilgrims visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on Tuesday and paid homage to Baba Guru Nanak during Besakhi celebrations.

President of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Sardar Amir Singh, Deputy Commissioner Narowal Saba Asghar, Head Giani Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Sardar Gobind Singh and Sardar Inder Jait Singh welcomed the Sikh pilgrims on their arrival.

The Sikh pilgrims were showered with flower petals and bouquets were also presented to the group leaders. Head Gyani Sardar Gobind Singh performed religious rites at Darbar Sahib.

Speaking on the occasion, some of the Sikh pilgrims lauded the religious freedom prevalent in Pakistan, adding that the Pakistani government spends millions of rupees annually on renovation of non-Muslim places of worship.

The pilgrims also distributed sweets as part of Besakhi Mela and visited the museum. The Kartarpur administration had arranged a special Langar for the Sikh pilgrims. The pilgrims dined at Baba Guru Nanak Langar hall.

Sikh pilgrims Harmish Singh and Jagat Singh said Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians gathered at one platform here. Amit Singh and Rohi Singh, both from Dubai, said the steps taken by the government of Pakistan for religious freedom and protection are praiseworthy.

The Sikh pilgrims coming through the Wagah border will spend Tuesday night at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. The pilgrims from India have returned home via Kartarpur Corridor at 5pm.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2022