LAHORE: More than 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims participated in the Shaheedi Jor Mela, commemorating the 420th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The event took place at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib, where prayers, kirtan, and various commemorative rituals were held. Extensive arrangements were coordinated by both Pakistani authorities and Sikh religious bodies to ensure the event's success.
The visiting pilgrims performed traditional rites, including "matha tekna" (bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib) and "ishnan" (ritual bathing), while attending continuous devotional singing led by ragi jathas.
Large gatherings paid tribute to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, revered for compiling the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 and for his martyrdom in 1606 under the rule of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Official arrangements and facilitation
Officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee supervised arrangements at the shrine, including accommodation, "langar" (community meals), sanitation, transport, and medical support. Security and facilitation services were coordinated with local authorities to ensure uninterrupted access throughout the pilgrimage.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora and senior officials, including Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq, attended the event alongside representatives of Sikh institutions.
Birthplace of Sikhism
Speaking at the gathering, Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said that Sikh heritage is deeply rooted in the region and emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing hospitality toward Sikh pilgrims.
“Sikhism was born in this land, and for Sikhs, Pakistan is like a first home. Despite visa processes and administrative requirements, no Sikh pilgrim is ever deliberately prevented from visiting Pakistan,” he said.
“Under the directives of the federal government, comprehensive arrangements are always made for their visit,” he added.
He said that medical camps, ambulances, and emergency services were deployed throughout the pilgrimage route to ensure immediate assistance where needed.
Highlighting administrative preparations, he said that the ETPB had ensured exemplary arrangements for pilgrims, including clean accommodation, organized langar, and sanitation facilities at the shrine.
He noted that improvements and restoration work are ongoing at multiple Sikh religious sites across Pakistan.
Pilgrim experiences and cross-border sentiment
Indian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar expressed satisfaction with the visit, noting that Sikh pilgrims have consistently been welcomed in Pakistan with respect and care.
He said Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s teachings reflected universal values of compassion, equality, and devotion, and highlighted his linguistic scholarship and compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Historical accounts of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom were also shared during the event.
These accounts described his imprisonment and execution in 1606 during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.
‘Pakistanis are very hospitable’
Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, visiting pilgrims praised Pakistan's hospitality, security, and arrangements.
“The people here are very kind and loving. When we return home, we will tell everyone that Pakistanis are very hospitable,” said Inderjeet Kaur, visiting from Ludhiana.
“Everyone should visit these gurdwaras and meet people here, and the borders should be more open for pilgrims,” Kaur added.
Ragi Avtar Singh, also visiting from Ludhiana, praised the local hospitality.
“The people here, including the administration and security forces, treat us with great affection and ensure our safety. It is difficult to describe the warmth we have received. Everything, from food and parshad to tea and drinking water, was provided in abundance.
“The committees and organizers showed us immense care, and we felt warmly welcomed,” Singh added.
10-day tour
Religious scholars and kirtan groups throughout the event highlighted the life and teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, focusing on his message of peace, humility, and interfaith harmony.
Continuous devotional singing drew large crowds, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Pilgrims concluded their visit by expressing gratitude to Pakistani authorities and shrine management institutions for what they described as well-organized facilities, improved infrastructure, and peaceful conditions at Sikh heritage sites.
The delegation is scheduled to return to India on June 19 after completing a 10-day religious tour.
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