More than 2400 Sikh yatris (pilgrims) have arrived in Pakistan to observe the Baisakhi festival for the year 2024.
Pakistan Railway and officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) high-ups welcomed the guests from India at Wagah Border. All the guests have also been transported to Hassan Abdaal through special trains.
The visitors during a weeklong stay at the said place will visit their sacred places. Meanwhile to receive the guests all relevant Railway authorities were directed to make all possible arrangements including the installation of ticket booths separately for men and women. Those who have arrived in Pakistan expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Railways Amir Ali Bloch directed all divisional superintendents of Railways to leave no effort behind for quick and comfortable services to the pilgrims. Similarly, they have been directed to provide all possible services and facilities to the guests besides strict observance of the schedule for trains. The Pakistan Railways also provided free services for the transportation of luggage.
It was also disclosed by the Railway authorities that this department will generate a revenue of Rs 23 million through operating special train services for the pilgrims. Important to note is that these pilgrims will attend in the main event at Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal. Visit to Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib are also included among the activities of these pilgrims. After a week-long stay, the visitors will get back to India. It is important to note that every year a large number of Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan to participate in their religious festivals and events. Baisakhi is also one of those festivals which the pilgrims from India mark every year. it is observed in April every year and in fact, announces the start of the harvest season in Punjab. Equally important is to note that Baisakhi is a popular spring festival that marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh, and is celebrated with much enthusiasm. It also marks the start of harvesting season of wheat in Punjab.
It is the advent of the Punjabi and Sikh New Year which is celebrated across India, especially in Punjab and northern India. On this day Sikh community visits local Gurudwaras and participates in langar, preparation of food, and distribution.
