Sikh pilgrims arrive in Nankana Sahib under tight security as Vaisakhi Mela begins

Minister Ramesh Singh Arora lays foundation stone of 40-room complex at Gurdwara Kiarah Sahib
 

NANKANA SAHIB (Nazrana Times)
Report Ali imran Chattha 
 

The 327th Khalsa Janam Din (Vaisakhi Mela) festivities are in full swing as thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and across the world have arrived in Nankana Sahib, the ancestral city of Baba Guru Nanak. On the second day of their visit, pilgrims performed religious rituals at several historic gurdwaras, while the district administration and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) ensured tight security and lavish hospitality.
Warm reception under foolproof security
The district administration brought Indian Sikh pilgrims to Nankana Sahib under a tight security cordon. Deputy Commissioner Tasleem Akhtar Rao and DPO Arsalan Zahid personally presented flowers to the pilgrims, while the administration showered them with petals of flowers by the maund. Pilgrims are currently engaged in rituals at Gurdwara Janam Asthan.
According to the district administration spokesperson, the Government of Pakistan issued visas to over 2,800 Indian Sikh pilgrims. More than 8,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the world, including Pakistan, are participating in the Vaisakhi Mela. Deputy Commissioner Tasleem Akhtar Rao stated that excellent arrangements for langar (community kitchen), accommodation, medical treatment, and other facilities have been made, including a field hospital at Gurdwara Janam Asthan.
"Pakistan is the home of the Sikh nation. They have complete freedom to perform their religious rituals," the Deputy Commissioner said. DPO Arsalan Zahid confirmed that foolproof security is being provided to all pilgrims.
Indian Sikh pilgrims thanked the Pakistan government and district administration, saying, "The Pakistani nation shares a heartfelt bond of love and respect with Sikhs. Pakistan is a country that spreads the message of peace and love."
Foundation stone laid at Gurdwara Sri Kiarah Sahib
On the second day of their pilgrimage, Sikh pilgrims visited Gurdwara Kiarah Sahib, Gurdwara Tambu Sahib, Gurdwara Balian Sahib, Gurdwara Pati Sahib, and Gurdwara Malji Sahib. At Gurdwara Sri Kiarah Sahib where Guru Nanak Sahib once grazed cattle Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs and Pradhan of PSGPC, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, laid the foundation stone for a new 40-room residential complex. Additional Secretary of Shrines (ETPB), Nasir Mushtaq, also attended the ceremony along with a large number of Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world.
Additional secretary shrine Etpb Nasir Mushtaq confirmed that 2,238 pilgrims have arrived from India. While Pakistan issued 2,800 visas, around 600 Sikh applicants were prevented from traveling. He emphasized that Sikhs are never barred from visiting Pakistan. "Foolproof security and excellent travel facilities have been provided. The ETPB and district administration are jointly serving the pilgrims," he said.
Special talk with Nazrana Times: Minister Ramesh Singh Arora
In an exclusive conversation with Nazrana Times, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora warmly welcomed the pilgrims. "Pakistan is the sacred land of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. Followers of all religions enjoy complete religious freedom and equal respect here. Vaisakhi is a festival of unity, peace, and harmony for all," he said.
Arora highlighted that the Punjab government has made grand arrangements for over 8,000 local and foreign pilgrims, including free field hospitals and accommodation at Gurdwara Janam Asthan. "Pakistan is the true home of Sikhs and a messenger of peace. By warmly welcoming the pilgrims, we have given the message of love to the world. You are always welcome here with open arms," he added.
He also urged the Indian government to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor and noted that the Punjab government is actively working on the restoration of 80 gurdwaras across the province.
Upcoming schedule
According to the district administration spokesperson, Sikh pilgrims will leave Nankana Sahib for Sacha Soda on April 12, while the main ceremony of the Vaisakhi festival will be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal.