TAXILA: Around 3,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are due to reach Hassanabdal today (Wednesday) to offer their religious rituals in connection with the 553rd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.

In this connection, the Sikh temple was wearing a festive look as the main building had been illuminated with colorful lights.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in collaboration with the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, local administration, police, railways and other government departments has made all the arrangements, including security, accommodation, medical and transport to facilitate the pilgrims.

Pakistan Railways would run three special trains for the Sikh Yatrees from Nankana Sahib station to Hassanabdal.

Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Sardar Amar Singh told mediapersons that Baba Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Katak Pooranmashi ‘full-moon of Katak’.

He said the Indian Sikh pilgrims after offering rituals would return to Lahore on Nov 11.

The yatrees will visit Kartarpur, Narowal and Rori Sahib Aimanabad on Nov 13 and 14.

The pilgrims will return to India through Wagah border crossing on Nov 15.

Sub-divisional police officer, Hassanabdal circle, ASP Zainab Ayub told mediapersons that the police had made elaborate arrangements for the safety and security of the pilgrims. She said that over 300 police officials, also including four DSPs and 17 inspectors, would be deployed to ensure security of the visitors.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2022