ISLAMABAD, Apr 16 (APP):Indian Sikh pilgrims, who arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah border to attend the Baisakhi festival and the 327th Khalsa birth anniversary celebrations, performed their religious rituals at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. On this occasion, a traditional kabaddi tournament was organized in honor of the pilgrims through the joint efforts of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Project Management Unit (PMU) Kartarpur, and the Evacuee Trust …
Indian Sikh Pilgrims perform religious rituals at Gurdwara
ISLAMABAD, Apr 16 (APP):Indian Sikh pilgrims, who arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah border to attend the Baisakhi festival and the 327th Khalsa birth anniversary celebrations, performed their religious rituals at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
On this occasion, a traditional kabaddi tournament was organized in honor of the pilgrims through the joint efforts of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Project Management Unit (PMU) Kartarpur, and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Pilgrims from India and other parts of the world enthusiastically participated in the event.
The kabaddi tournament was attended by President PSGPC Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chief Executive Officer Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, and district officials including District Police Officer and Deputy Commissioner Narowal.
Speaking to media representatives, Additional Secretary Shrines ETPB, Nasir Mushtaq stated that hosting and serving the pilgrims reflects Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and harmony worldwide, adding that such cultural events play a vital role in strengthening ties between nations.
President PSGPC, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan advocated peace not only in the region but across the world. He remarked that Pakistan was like a first home for Sikhs and described kabaddi as an important cultural heritage of Punjab. He also called for the immediate reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate pilgrimage from India.
The kabaddi match was played between United Kingdom Kabaddi Club and Gung Kabaddi Club. The atmosphere during the match was vibrant, with the Darbar Sahib complex echoing with slogans of “Bole So Nihal” and “Pakistan Zindabad.” Pilgrims also performed bhangra to the beat of traditional drums.
The leader of the Indian Sikh pilgrims’ group appreciated the excellent arrangements made by the ETPB and local administration, including security, accommodation, and medical facilities. He also thanked Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman, security forces, and the district administration for their support. Deputy Commissioner Narowal and other district officials were also present on the occasion.
The pilgrims expressed that they would carry the message of peace and hospitality they received in Pakistan to the rest of the world.
According to the schedule, the pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad on Friday (April 17), after which they will travel to Lahore. Following a two-day stay, they will return to India via the Wagah border on April 19.
