TAXILA: Sikh pilgrims are expected to arrive at the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal on June 8 to observe the 411th death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, the fifth of eleven Sikh gurus.

The event is also called Shaheedi Jor Mela or Shaheedi Purab of Guru Dev Ji.

Talking to the media on Wednesday, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Imran Gondal said 3,000 Indian pilgrims will arrive on June 8 on a 10-day pilgrimage through the Wagah Border and will come to Hassanabdal on a special train.

He said pilgrims will perform various religious rites including matha taek and ashan, a holy bath.

They will also visit the shrine of Baba Wali Kandhari which is located on a hilltop.

Mr Gondal added that the pilgrims will visit the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, where the main event for the anniversary will be held and will travel to other religious sites.

He said the pilgrims will then proceed to the Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib on June 11 and will visit the Gurdwara Sacha Soda Farooqabad on June 13.

The main ceremony of Bhog and martyrdom day will be observed in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16 and the pilgrims will return home on June 17.

Mr Gondal added that foolproof security arrangements will be made in collaboration with the district administration and law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2017