Pakistan issues over 2,800 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi celebrations

Pakistan grants over 2,800 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi celebrations, enabling visits to sacred sites like Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib under a long-standing bilateral protocol.

Pakistan issues over 2,800 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrim (Image: Internet)

New Delhi: Pakistan has issued more than 2,800 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the annual Baisakhi celebrations, scheduled to take place between April 10 and 14 in Punjab province. The move enables devotees to visit key religious sites and participate in traditional festivities.

The announcement was made by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, highlighting continued cooperation under a bilateral framework that facilitates religious travel between the two countries.

A warning to Pakistan? Rajnath Singh cautions neighbour saying ‘misadventure will invite decisive action’

Travel Under 1974 Religious Protocol

The visas have been granted under the 1974 India-Pakistan Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, which allows pilgrims from both nations to visit places of religious significance.

Officials said the initiative reflects an ongoing effort to maintain cultural and religious exchanges despite broader political challenges in bilateral relations.

Pilgrims to Visit Key Sikh Shrines

During their visit, Indian Sikh pilgrims will travel to several prominent gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.

The main Baisakhi ceremony is set to be held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, where large gatherings of devotees are expected. Pilgrims are likely to arrive via the Wagah border on April 10.

Significance of Baisakhi

Baisakhi is one of the most important festivals for the Sikh community. It marks both the spring harvest season and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

‘Your wife has bank links in Pakistan’: CM Himanta Sarma’s wife to Gaurav Gogoi amid passport, Dubai links row

The occasion is celebrated with prayers, kirtan, community meals (langar), and cultural programmes at gurdwaras across the region.

Sacred Sites Hold Deep Religious Value

Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is revered as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while Kartarpur Sahib is associated with the final years of his life. These sites hold immense spiritual importance for Sikh devotees worldwide.

The issuance of visas is seen as a positive step toward fostering goodwill and strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan. Similar arrangements are made annually for major Sikh religious events, including Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Jayanti.