Pakistan has delivered more than 6,500 visas to the Indian Sikhs pilgrims for the next Baisakhi festival, the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi told Monday.
The Spring Harvest Festival, mainly celebrated in Punjab and in northern India, marks the start of the New Year Sikh and symbolizes spiritual renewal.
Celebrations will focus on Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Islamabad. Pilgrims should also visit other important sites, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib during the visit from April 10 to 19.
“The large number of visas issued by the Government of Pakistan is a manifestation of our policy aimed at promoting harmony and promoting understanding between peoples, cultures and religions,” said Pakistan in New Delhi, as cited in the official declaration.
“Pakistan would continue to facilitate such visits to sacred and holy sites,” added the manager.
The sanctuary of Panja Sahib is venerated for a rock supposed to endure the imprint of the hands of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Baisakhi also commemorates the formation of khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, representing spiritual awakening and commitment.
Indian sikhs pilgrims regularly go to Pakistan for religious observances as part of the 1974 Pakistani protocol during visits to religious sanctuaries.
