Around 2,000 Sikh pilgrims return to Kartarpur after Panja Sahib celebrations

Around 2,000 Indian pilgrims were brought back safely to Kartarpur after performing their rituals and attending the three-day celebrations at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. They had arrived in Pakistan to participate in the events marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2,100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India under the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1974), thereby facilitating cross-border participation in religious events. Besides Indian pilgrims, hundreds of devotees from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia also joined this year’s commemorations.

Indian pilgrims took part in the celebrations, with the first group of nearly 700 yatris escorted to the gurdwara under tight security. Deputy Commissioner Attock and District Police Officer (DPO) Sardar Moazzam Khan welcomed the guests with flower garlands, while the Indian pilgrims expressed their joy over the warm welcome from the Pakistani authorities.

Read: Thousands visit Panja Sahib to honor Guru Nanak

Minority Affairs Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also visited Gurdwara Panja Sahib. The minister was accompanied by Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh, on a special visit.

Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism, was born in Nankana Sahib (now Pakistan), where the main ceremony marking his birth anniversary takes place every year. The celebrations – observed by Sikhs around the world – symbolize peace, devotion and interfaith harmony, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to preserving religious heritage sites.

This year marks the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, celebrated from November 4 to 13, with major events at:

• Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib — the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

• Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal — associated with one of his miracles.

• Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal – where Guru Nanak spent his final years.

“India must bring a positive change in its attitude and policies,” Arora said, adding that Pakistan provides full religious freedom to minorities. He noted that India has kept the Kartarpur corridor closed since May 7, calling Kartarpur a historic gift from Pakistan to the Sikhs.

The pilgrimage marked the first major cross-border movement since the May 2025 conflict, which temporarily closed the Wagah-Attari border. Earlier in September, India had banned pilgrims from attending the 486th death anniversary of Guru Nanak in Pakistan.

Jathedar Singh, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, said the Sikh community shares a deep emotional connection with the land of Pakistan.

Learn more: Indians arrive for Guru’s birthday

Religious observances included the ceremonies of Akhand Paath, Bhog, Matha Tekna and Shabad Kirtan, held in an atmosphere of deep spiritual devotion. At Panja Sahib, devotees also performed ritual baths in the sacred pond before prayers. The gurdwaras were decorated with flowers, banners and flags, creating a vibrant festive environment.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and local administrations supervised the arrangements made for security, accommodation, food and transport. More than 3,000 police officers have been deployed to Hassan Abdal to ensure foolproof security. Roads leading to the gurdwara were closed and nearby markets remained closed as part of the security plan.

After the conclusion of the three-day celebrations, the Indian pilgrims departed from Panja Sahib and were transported under strict security in special buses to Kartarpur. Around 2,000 Indian yatris participated in the three-day celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.