The 326th Khalsa birth anniversary and Vaisakhi Mela celebrations are taking place at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony of Pakistan. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from countries like India, Canada, the United States, and Europe have gathered to attend the event.
The ceremony is being attended by prominent figures, including Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, and Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Other notable attendees are Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani and ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal.
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Pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by Pakistani authorities, praising the hospitality, accommodation, medical services, and transport provided during the event. Indian Sikh leader Ravinder Singh Sarna commended the efforts of the government and ETPB.
The Nankana Sahib Gurdwara has been beautifully decorated with lights, and extra security measures have been put in place. As per the schedule, pilgrims will travel from Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal, to Kartarpur’s Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on April 15, followed by a visit to Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on April 17.
Vaisakhi Mela is a significant religious and cultural event, promoting interfaith harmony and highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to preserving its minority religious heritage.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his greetings to the global Sikh community, acknowledging the importance of Vaisakhi as a celebration of renewal and unity. He emphasized the festival’s role in fostering togetherness among communities and contributing to national progress.
Around 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India are expected to arrive tomorrow for the Vaisakhi Mela celebrations. Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and harmony, reiterating that religious minorities are free to practice their faith and that their rights are fully protected. He also announced the construction of 100 new international-standard rooms at Gurdwara Janam Asthan and ongoing efforts to restore gurdwaras across Pakistan.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also sent her greetings on Vaisakhi, celebrating Punjab’s agricultural traditions and the hardworking farmers. She shared her memories of visiting Kartarpur during last year’s Vaisakhi festival, expressing her solidarity with the Sikh community during the celebration.
