Thousands of Sikh pilgrims traveled to Pakistan on Monday to celebrate Baisakhi, a significant harvest festival that marks the start of the Sikh New Year, primarily observed in Punjab and northern India.
This year, Pakistani authorities issued over 6,500 visas to Indian Sikhs, a notable increase compared to previous years. Although visas for travel between India and Pakistan are typically hard to obtain, the governments of both countries have a special arrangement that facilitates pilgrimages to religious sites, allowing Sikhs to visit their shrines and places of worship.
The main Baisakhi ceremony took place in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Nankana Sahib, located about 75 kilometers west of Lahore, is home to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, one of the nine sacred Sikh sites in the area.
Among the many pilgrims was Rinko Kaur, who travelled from Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initially hesitant about visiting Pakistan, Kaur recalled that her family had cautioned her to travel only with a group for safety reasons.
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However, upon arriving, she found the people of Pakistan to be extremely welcoming. “I saw people coming out of their houses, waving as a welcome gesture. We feel as if we are celebrities,” Kaur said, expressing her appreciation for the warm reception. She plans to visit other Sikh holy sites in Pakistan in the coming days.
Pakistan is home to numerous Sikh holy sites, which attract many pilgrims every year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his remarks, emphasized the significance of Baisakhi as a time of great joy for farmers. He also highlighted the festival’s role in fostering a spirit of hope, unity, and renewal, which brings communities together.
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