LAHORE, Nov 18: As many as 407 Sikhs arrived here from the UK, the USA and India during the last couple of days to attend the 535th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.

The Sikh pilgrims were welcomed by Evacuee Trust Property Board Deputy Administrator (shrines) Fraz Abbas and Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandik Committee Vice-Chairman Bishan Singh.

About 3,000 Sikhs are expected from India and 1,000 from Europe, Middle East, America, Canada and Afghanistan. Hundreds of local Sikhs and Hindus will also attend the festivities from Nov 21 to 30.

The main festival is scheduled to begin on Nov 24 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan.

Meanwhile, ETPB Chairman Pir Mohammad Khan Bangish visited the Gurdwara Janam Asthan on Thursday, and directed the officials concerned to make all arrangements to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims.

During their stay, the Sikh pilgrims will also visit the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, Gurdwara Succha Soda in Farooqabad, Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Aimanabad and Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasanabdal.