TAXILA: The Gurdwara Punja Sahib on Thursday morning echoed with religious chants of ’‘Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh’, as pilgrims from across the world poured into the third most sacred place of Sikh religion in Hassanabdal to celebrate the 554th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion.

On this occasion, the Sikh temple was decorated with colourful flowers, flags, banners, and posters, and thousands of devotees could be seen praying in the gurdwara’s vast courtyard. Celebrations began early in the morning, with pilgrims cleansing themselves at the holy pond. The anniversary celebration was concluded with the ritual of the “Bhog” ceremony.

Later, several congregations were held to recall Baba Guru Nanak’s message of peace, love, and brotherhood. Several congregations were held during the day, which recalled Guru Nanak’s message of peace, love, and universal brotherhood. Special prayers were offered, and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib—the Sikh Holy Scripture—were sung. Pilgrims pledged to comply with the teachings of the guru.

On the concluding day, religious songs, known as kirtan, were sung while free sweets and langar, community lunches, were also offered irrespective of religious orientation. Men, women, and children participated in the karseva as a service to the community, in which they prepared food and distributed it in the Guru ka Langar.

In the light of the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, equal treatment for all, regardless of caste or creed, was a central theme, exemplified by the provision of free facilities, including medical aid, meals, and accommodation for the 400 rooms in the Sikh temple.

Talking to newsmen, the Sikh pilgrims from India and other parts of the world said that they were extremely happy to visit their holy places. The Sikh pilgrims were very happy with the arrangements and security provided by Pakistan. They said that the government of Pakistan had won the hearts of the Sikh community living across the world, especially in India, by issuing special visas and permission for the ceremony in the spirit of goodwill.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza also visited the Sikh temple to monitor the boarding, lodging, and other facilities for the Sikh pilgrims. He said that the district administration, with the collaboration of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC), made elaborate arrangements to ensure their stay at Hassanabdal was comfortable.

Elaborate security measures were taken in and around the Sikh temple, where over 700 officials from the police and other law enforcement departments were deployed.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2023