LAHORE, March 8: A group of around 90 Hindu pilgrims arrived in Lahore via Wagah Border for Shivaratri at Katas Raj Temple in Chua Saidan Shah, Chakwal.

The pilgrims, including Ms Lakshami Chawala, ex-Indian Punjab minister, and led by Mr Shiv Partab Bajaj set foot on Pakistan after they travelled from various cities of India by road up to the border. Officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board welcomed them and served them tea at the border.

“We welcomed them and brought them to Gurdwara Dera Sahib (Lahore) by buses,” ETPB Secretary (Sikh/Hindu temples) Azhar Sulehri told Dawn.

He said after having a night’s stay in Lahore, the pilgrims would depart for Katas Raj Temple (Chakwal) where they would stay till March 10.  He said the main events during Shivaratri celebrations at the temple included the pilgrims’ holy bath, Chiraghan (vigil) and religious worship etc.

The official said the pilgrims would return to Lahore on March 11 for staying here up to March 13, the day they would return to India.