TAXILA: The 100-year celebrations of Saka Panja Sahib concluded on Sunday at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, where the handprint of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak is believed to be imprinted on a boulder.

Hundreds of Sikh yatrees (pilgrims) and various political and socio-religious leaders from India and other countries participated in the event.

“Saka Panja Sahib teaches us that we should not hesitate to make any sacrifice for peace and unity,” Indian delegation leader Sardar Harmeet Singh said. “We have been honoured and are grateful for all arrangements made here.”

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parb­andhak Committee Pardhan Sardar Amir Singh said the government of Pakistan had won the hearts of the entire Sikh nation by issuing special visas and permission for the ceremony in the spirit of goodwill.

Addressing the ceremony, Rana Shahid Saleem, additional secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, said development work was under way rapidly at all gurdwaras across the country. He insisted that all places of worship were safe and comprehensive measures had been taken to promote religious tourism.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2022