Web Desk: Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world gathered at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on Thursday to begin three days of Baisakhi festival celebrations.
The administration of the shrine confirmed that 2,388 pilgrims entered Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing before traveling from Hasan Abdal to the Narowal district. Head Granthi Sardar Gobind Singh joined shrine officials to provide a warm welcome to the arriving groups as they reached the historic site.
Throughout the morning, devotees performed religious rituals, offered prayers, and paid their respects at the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Many pilgrims expressed deep emotional connections to the site, noting that the atmosphere felt like a homecoming.
While participating in the festivities, several visitors praised the hospitality provided by local authorities. They highlighted the quality of the transport, accommodation, and communal dining facilities, known as Langar, which the Pakistani government arranged for the duration of the festival.
However, the gathering also served as a platform for pilgrims to address cross-border travel policies. Many attendees urged the Indian government to simplify the Kartarpur Corridor process, arguing that easier access would allow more devotees to visit the shrine without procedural hurdles.
Security remains tight across the region to ensure the safety of the international visitors. Following the conclusion of the initial ceremonies in Kartarpur, celebrations are expected to continue with a central event in Hasan Abdal, where final preparations are already in place.
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