Vaisakhi 2026 Celebrations Conclude Triumphantly in Pakistan: Over 2,800 Sikh Pilgrims Depart with Heartfelt Praise for Hospitality, Security, and Interfaith Harmony

Lahore, April 19 ,2026 Nazrana Times!
Report Ali imran Chattha 
The grand finale of the annual Vaisakhi festival and the 327th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji concluded successfully today at the historic Hazuri Bagh in Lahore. The Government of Punjab hosted a vibrant cultural night and dinner in honor of approximately 2,800 Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including:
Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and President of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC)
Dr. Mempal Singh, Former President (Ex-Pradhan) PSGPC and Associate Professor, Department of Child Health, Mayo Hospital Lahore
,Satwant Kaur, Secretary PSGPC
, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Provincial Minister for Finance
Khawaja Salman Rafique, Provincial Minister for Health , Uzma Kardar, Member Punjab Assembly , Maryam Khan, Commissioner Lahore ,Captain (R) Ali Ijaz, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Other notable attendees included Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Qamar-uz-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, and Jatha leader Sardar Surjit Singh.

The cultural night featured energetic Bhangra performances to the beats of the dhol, traditional music, dance, and comedy by renowned artists Salim Albela, Iftikhar Thakar, and Jawad Wasim, which added immense joy to the evening. The pandal echoed with slogans of “Jo Bole So Nihal” and “Pakistan Zindabad.” Sikh yatris participated enthusiastically, dancing and expressing their happiness.
Key Highlights from the Event
Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora addressed the gathering warmly, saying:
“Bharat aur doosre mulkon se aayi tamam Sikh sangat ko Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz ki taraf se Ji Aaya Noon kehte hain.”

He expressed deep gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the excellent arrangements and strict security measures implemented on her directives. He emphasized that the Punjab government is fully committed to religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, stating that Pakistan’s doors will always remain open for Sikh pilgrims. He added that the restoration and beautification of Sikh holy sites is being carried out on priority basis, and pilgrims are provided with world-class facilities.
Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman expressed pride in serving the minority communities and stated that Pakistan remains committed to promoting religious harmony and providing every possible facility to pilgrims. He thanked the Government of Punjab and all supporting departments for ensuring the pilgrims’ comfort and security.
Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq highlighted that Pakistan organized the Vaisakhi festival with great beauty and grace, stressing the deep historical and spiritual connection of the Sikh faith with this land.
Jatha leader Sardar Surjit Singh expressed complete satisfaction with the arrangements, noting that gurdwaras in Pakistan are “well-maintained and even more beautiful than before.” He praised the accommodation, medical services, transportation, langar, and overall hospitality.
During their 10-day visit, the pilgrims visited sacred sites including Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hasan Abdal), Gurdwara Sri Dera Sahib Lahore, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Kartarpur Sahib, and Eminabad. They also enjoyed guided tours of Lahore’s heritage sites such as Lahore Fort, Walled City, Mall Road, and shopping at Anarkali Bazaar.

The pilgrims will depart tomorrow, April 19, 2026, via the Wagah Border, carrying fond memories of brotherhood, cultural exchange, and Pakistan’s spirit of inclusivity. They expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab, ETPB officials, and all local authorities for the warm hospitality and excellent security.
This year’s Vaisakhi celebrations have once again beautifully showcased Pakistan’s dedication to interfaith harmony, religious tourism, and strong people-to-people ties between Pakistan and India.