TAXILA: Sikh pilgrims from across the world visited Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal on Sunday to perform rituals in connection with the 552nd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion.

Around 3,000 pilgrims came from India. Religious slogans including Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa and Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh echoed through the gurdwara that was decorated with colourful lights as pilgrims performed rituals including Matha Taki, Ashnan and the exchange of gifts.

Speaking to journalists, pilgrims hailed the government’s initiative to open the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate the Sikh community. They lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan for laying the foundation stone for Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib and issuing a commemorative coin on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Group leader of Sikh pilgrims from India Sardar Gurmeet Singh said the pilgrims had come to Pakistan with the message of love, peace, friendship and harmony.

“Pakistan is the land of Sikh Gurus and Sikhs love this land as this is our second homeland. We are always welcomed with love and it is a true example of Sikh-Muslim friendship,” he said.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (Delhi) party leader Sardar Balvinder Singh lauded steps taken by the Pakistani government for upkeep and restoration of gurdwaras, adding that the latest step of opening the corridor would further cement relations between Pakistan and the Sikh community.

He said the Indian Sikh community was grateful to the government for issuing them the maximum number of visas, adding that, “Pakistan is sacred to us and we love it, and we come here with a message of peace and brotherhood.”

Sardar Bishan Singh, a pilgrim from Amritsar, told Dawn that every religion taught love, tolerance and respect for humanity. He appreciated the Pakistani government’s efforts for ensuring religious freedom for minorities and safeguarding sacred places and gurdwaras of the Sikh community.

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Imran Gondal said the board, in collaboration with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the district administration, had made security and accommodation arrangements for Indian and local Sikh yatrees.

Security measures were taken in and around the Sikh temple where dozens of officials from security agencies were deployed.

Regional Police officer (Rawalpindi region) Ishfaq Ahmed Khan reviewed arrangements and told journalists that multi-layered security plans were made to ensure that visiting pilgrims’s safety.

“The police will provide foolproof security to Sikh yatrees,” Mr Khan said, adding that, “around 700 policemen will perform security duties, including four district superintendents, six inspectors, 11 sub-inspectors, 23 assistant sub-inspectors, 33 head constables, 506 constables, 40 female constables and plainclothes officers.”

Poetry recital

A Punjabi poetry recital was organised at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on the occasion of Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary to promote inter-faith harmony on Sunday.

The recital was presided over by renowned poet Prof Dr Arshad Mahmood Nashad while Dr Farhat Abbas and Naseem Sehar participated as guests of honour in the gathering. People belonging to the literary circle participated in the concert.

Famous poets Anjum Khaliq, Prof Baqir Wasim, Tahir Baloch and others recited their poetry and paid tribute to Baba Guru Nanak. Arif Farhad hosted the recital.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmad said Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday was a happy occasion for the Sikh community.

“Baba Guru Nanak always conveyed the message of peace, brotherhood and love. It is a gift for the community,” he said, adding the Sikh community considers Pakistan as their second home.

“The holy places of the Sikh community are preserved all over Pakistan including Punjab,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2021