TAXILA: Over 140 Sikh pilgrims from India, accompanied by locals, performed their religious rituals in connection with the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Gurudwara Punja Sahib on Thursday.

The pilgrims reached Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday through the Wagha Border by road amid strict security. They were welcomed by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials and office bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.

According to Sikh tradition, the event is also called Shaheedi Jor Mela or Shaheedi Purab of Guru Arjan Dev Ji as it marks his 416th death anniversary. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, is believed to have been destined to be martyred for the Sikh cause. Within the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1970), a large number of pilgrims visit Pakistan for to perform religious rituals.

Several religious rites including matha thek (bowing of the head) and ashnan (holy bath) were performed by the pilgrims. Hundreds of followers paid homage to the guru and prominent preachers narrated tales from the guru’s life and talked about details of his martyrdom in the Mughal era. Kirthi jathas or religious singing groups had prepared performances for the congregation and urged people to follow teachings of the fifth guru of Sikhism and to lead a pious and meaningful life.

Later, they also visited the shrine of Baba Wali Kandhari. Due to harsh weather, the health department had established a special medical camp in case anyone needed something. Foolproof security arrangements were made in collaboration with the district administration and law enforcement agencies.

Talking to journalists, leader of the group from India, Sardar Sikhmandir Singh said they were happy to visit their holy places, adding Pakistani authorities had always welcomed the pilgrims.

We come here to attend our religious ceremonies as it is the land of our gurus. There is a lot of love for Pakistan in our community, other pilgrims said,

Deputy secretary (shrines) of the ETPB Imran Gondal said pilgrims were being provided with improved facilities and accommodation at the gurdwara, adding, walk-through gates and CCTV cameras had been installed as well and other arrangements were made in collaboration with the district administration and law enforcement agencies.

He said the pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Sacha Sauda on June 13. Pilgrims from Nankana will visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore on the same day. The visit to Kartarpur, Narowal and Gurdwara Rori Sahib Aymanabad has been scheduled between June 13 to 15. The main ceremony will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. Pilgrims will return to India on June 17.

Published in Dawn,June 10th, 2022