Sikh pilgrims depart for Kartarpur after Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan

Around 2,200 Sikh pilgrims from India departed for Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on Wednesday after taking part in Baisakhi celebrations at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

The pilgrims were seen off by Nasir Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Shrines of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, who personally supervised arrangements to ensure their safe and smooth departure.

Strict security measures were put in place for the journey, with elite police commandos deployed along the route. The pilgrims travelled in three organised convoys under tight security protocols. Authorities also enforced enhanced monitoring across key transit points, while designated rest areas were reserved exclusively for the pilgrims to maintain safety and religious sanctity.

Baisakhi draws thousands of Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Panja Sahib

Before departure, Sardar Surjit Singh, leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee delegation, expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by Pakistani authorities. He appreciated the preservation and maintenance of Sikh holy sites in Pakistan, noting that they remain secure and retain their original sanctity.

He also commended the facilities provided to pilgrims, including accommodation, healthcare services, and transportation, which allowed them to perform their religious rituals comfortably during the visit.

According to the pilgrimage schedule, the group will visit Gurdwara Rori Sahib on April 17 before travelling to Lahore, where they will stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.

The pilgrims are scheduled to return to India via the Wagah Border on April 19, concluding their visit.