HASAN ABDAL, Pakistan: A group of 2,235 Sikh devotees traveling from India reached Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, on Monday, in a fleet of 51 dedicated buses to take part in the Baisakhi Mela 2026 celebrations being held across Pakistan.
Upon their arrival at the sacred site, revered as the third holiest place in Sikhism, Deputy Commissioner of Attock, Rao Atif Raza, and District Police Officer, Sardar Moorahan Khan, extended a warm reception to the Sikh pilgrims.
Security and services guaranteed
Addressing journalists, the DPO confirmed that robust security arrangements had been implemented to guarantee the protection of all Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan. He emphasized that ensuring a safe atmosphere remained the highest priority, allowing devotees to carry out their religious observances without disruption.
The deputy commissioner noted that the local administration had finalized all necessary provisions for accommodation, food supplies, and medical support for the incoming visitors.
Sikh pilgrims from #India and across the world have arrived in #HassanAbdal to participate in the central ceremony of the #VaisakhiFestival starting at #GurdwaraPanjaSahib tomorrow#RadioPkistan #News https://t.co/IbpDKIPeQ6 pic.twitter.com/ZISUDaIBt5
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 13, 2026
The Sikh pilgrims voiced their satisfaction with the arrangements and praised the hospitality as well as the security protocols instituted by Pakistani officials. They also commended the maintenance of their holy sites in Pakistan and the reverence shown toward them.
Throughout their stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, strict security will remain in place to facilitate the peaceful practice of their religious ceremonies.
Celebrations begin at Wagah Border
Earlier on Friday, Sikh pilgrims from India entered Pakistan to join the 327th International Baisakhi Festival, a deeply spiritual occasion celebrating faith, heritage, and the creation of the Khalsa.
At the Wagah Border, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Ramesh Singh Arora, formally welcomed the devotees, according to an official communiqué.
The event honors the historic establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, a transformative moment in Sikh history representing devotion, solidarity, and bravery.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi granted more than 2,800 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for this occasion. The festival continues from April 10 through April 19, with over 26,000 devotees anticipated from across the globe to visit Pakistan.
On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, 🇵🇰 welcomes devotees from all around the world. As proud custodian of a rich heritage, Pakistan will continue to make efforts aimed at fostering peace and harmony between peoples and cultures. pic.twitter.com/qdmfgJWSzK
— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) April 10, 2026
Punjab government sets up support hubs
Following special directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Government in Pakistan has established comprehensive facilitation hubs for Sikh pilgrims. These include high-quality lodging, specialised transport, round-the-clock medical assistance, and rigorous security coverage by the Punjab Police and Rangers.
Pilgrims arriving from Indian states including Amritsar, Haryana, and Delhi were moved in three separate convoys to Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib. Over their ten-day stay, they will tour several sacred locations, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, where the principal Vaisakhi ceremony is scheduled for April 14.
Minister urges peace and operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor
Speaking at the Wagah Border, Ramesh Singh Arora warmly welcomed the pilgrims to the birthplace of Guru Nanak. He affirmed that Pakistan stays dedicated to peace and interfaith harmony, noting that the approval of over 2,800 visas demonstrates this commitment. He added that Pakistan carries profound spiritual significance for Sikhs worldwide as the origin of Sikhism.
The minister further stated that minority communities in Pakistan enjoy religious liberty and constitutional safeguards. He also called on India to fully activate the Kartarpur Corridor to enhance bilateral ties and ease travel for Sikh pilgrims.
Sikh pilgrims from India have crossed into #Pakistan through the #Wagah border for Baisakhi, heading to Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib for one of the holiest celebrations in the #Sikh calendar. #pakistanrisesglobally #PakPeaceDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/kQ34cXNerQ
— South Asian Perspective (@SAnPerspective) April 11, 2026
Understanding the Baisakhi Mela in Pakistan
The Baisakhi Mela stands as a major Sikh religious festival observed annually in Pakistan, signaling the solar new year and the spring harvest season. It carries deep religious meaning as it marks the formation of the Khalsa (the order of initiated Sikhs) by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699. The festival is also referred to as Vaisakhi and typically falls on April 13 or 14 each year.
Primary Celebrations and Sites Across Pakistan
The central hub for Baisakhi Mela festivities in Pakistan is Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. This gurdwara holds unique sanctity because followers believe it houses a rock imprinted with the handprint of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Major festival activities include Nagar Kirtan (processional hymn singing), Langar (communal meals), religious rites such as Akhand Paath, Bhog, Ardas, and Hukamnama, and Ashnan (a ceremonial wash believed to purify sins).
Celebrations also occur at other significant gurdwaras across Pakistan, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib (birthplace of Guru Nanak), Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
