Indian Sikh Pilgrims Complete Shrine Visits, Reach Lahore

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Main Death Anniversary Ceremony to Take Place on June 29; Pilgrims to Return on June 30
LAHORE –  Ali imran Chattha 
A contingent of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who arrived in Pakistan on 21st June via the Wagah Border to participate in the death anniversary ceremonies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, have completed their pilgrimage to various sacred sites and have now reached Lahore, where they are currently staying at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.

The pilgrimage this year carries particular significance, as it marks a resumption of the annual cross-border yatra following a year of suspension. Last year, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announced that no Sikh pilgrim group would travel to Pakistan to observe Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary, citing the prevailing diplomatic situation between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. The revival of the pilgrimage in 2026 has therefore been welcomed as a meaningful gesture of renewed interfaith and bilateral goodwill.
The visiting delegations were organised under the auspices of two principal bodies: the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which submitted visa applications for 302 pilgrims to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, of whom 290 were granted travel permission, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). SGPC Dharam Prachar Committee Secretary Gurinder Singh Mathrewal urged all approved pilgrims to collect their passports from the SGPC office ahead of departure on 20th and 21st June.
The pilgrims arrived in two separate batches. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by representatives of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC). The welcoming ceremony was attended by ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Shrines Syed Faraz Abbas, PSGPC Pardhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora who also serves as Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights, Government of Punjab and other senior officials.
During their ten-day visit to Pakistan, the pilgrims paid homage at several revered Gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Souda in Farooqabad, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, and Gurdwara Roari Sahib in Eminabad. At each site, they performed religious rituals, offered prayers, and expressed their deep devotion.

Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee appreciated the hospitality and arrangements made by the Government of Pakistan. They thanked the authorities and acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in promoting religious freedom and interfaith harmony.
According to officials, the central ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be held on 29th June at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, where senior government officials, religious leaders, and dignitaries will be in attendance. Upon the conclusion of the religious proceedings, all Indian Sikh pilgrims are scheduled to depart for India via the Wagah Border on 30th June.
The ceremony holds deep historical resonance. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born on 13th November 1780, in Budrukhan, or Gujranwala now part of Pakistan and died on 27th June 1839, in Lahore. Known as 'Sher-e-Punjab', he was the first king of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. According to Sikh beliefs, he ruled Punjab for forty years. It is said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh fought against the Mughals and also conquered Lahore. Religious tolerance was a hallmark of his reign, with many important ministers of his court being Muslims.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board has made extensive arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims during their stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib. Given the severe heatwave prevailing in the region, additional air conditioners have been installed, and extra generators have been provided to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. Comprehensive arrangements have been made for the pilgrims, including security, transportation, accommodation, langar (community kitchen) services, medical assistance, mineral water, and other essential facilities. Rescue 1122 vehicles and ambulances have also been deployed alongside the convoy to ensure prompt response in case of any emergency.

ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman noted that seventeen Gurdwaras across Punjab are currently open to pilgrims, while restoration and renovation work is under way at around fifty others. He stated that a significant number of young Sikh community members are participating in this year's visit, which he described as a reflection of the younger generation's growing connection with its religious heritage.
Additional Secretary of Shrines Nasir Mushtaq is continuously monitoring all arrangements to ensure smooth operations. In an official statement, he emphasised that providing a safe, peaceful, and friendly environment to the Sikh pilgrims remains the top priority of the Evacuee Trust Property Board. He reiterated the board's commitment to promoting religious tourism, fostering interfaith harmony, and serving the sacred places of minority communities with full dedication.
Addressing the pilgrims, PSGPC Pardhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora who also holds the portfolio of Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights, Government of Punjab underscored the Government of Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the welfare, religious freedom, and constitutional rights of minority communities. He expressed satisfaction at the large turnout of young Sikh devotees, noting that their enthusiastic participation reflects a living and enduring bond with their ancestral religious heritage.
The ceremony and related events will be attended by ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman, Deputy Secretary Shrines Syed Faraz Abbas, and PSGPC Pardhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, alongside the board's officers and staff, respected members of the Sikh community, and PSGPC officials.

On the directives of the Chairman and Additional Secretary Shrines, Deputy Secretary Shrines Syed Faraz Abbas is personally hosting the Sikh pilgrims and accompanying them throughout their holy journey, ensuring their comfort and security at every stage of the visit.
Officials have reiterated that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure a dignified and comfortable stay for the pilgrims until their departure on 30th June.