LAHORE: Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed more than 2,200 Sikh pilgrims from India for the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first major cross-border pilgrimage since deadly border clashes in May suspended travel between the two countries.
Earlier in June, India halted Sikh pilgrimage travel for the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, drawing criticism from Sikh community leaders. Tuesday’s crossing therefore marked an important resumption of religious exchange.
Officials and volunteers from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) welcomed the pilgrims, known as “yatrees,” with garlands, rose petals, and greetings. According to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, more than 2,100 visas were issued for the 10-day festival, while border officials said the actual number of arrivals was closer to 2,500.
“The number of visitors this year is slightly below the agreed protocol of 3,000,” Nasir Mushtaq, additional secretary for shrines at the ETPB, told Pakistan TV Digital.
“All arrangements, reception, lodging, medical facilities, and transportation are at par with international standards. Only transportation is paid by the pilgrims; the rest is covered by the Government of Pakistan.”
The pilgrims will remain in Pakistan from November 4 to 13, visiting Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, before returning to Lahore for departure.
Many described emotional reunions and heartfelt hospitality on arrival.
A Sikh pilgrim from Ajnala town in Indian Punjab said the group felt “overwhelmed” by the welcome in Pakistan.
“We received more love and respect on this side of the border,” she said. “We were welcomed with garlands. Last time, when I requested water on the Indian side, I was denied, but here we are escorted and cared for.”
Sakwinder Kaur from northwestern Gurdaspur district, visiting Pakistan for the first time, said:
“We are given immense love. It feels like home. I pray that the Kartarpur Corridor reopens so pilgrims can visit regularly and stay longer.”
Another pilgrim expressed gratitude toward Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, citing her administration’s efforts to protect gurdwaras during recent Ravi River flooding.
“She has shown she respects all religions equally,” he said.
Kuldip Singh from Jalandhar urged both governments to insulate religious travel from politics.
“Faith should not become hostage to border crises,” he said.
Baaj Singh from Amritsar said returning to Sikh holy sites in Pakistan was deeply emotional.
“I just want to fly to Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur,” he said. “It feels like home when we are here.”
The ETPB has arranged accommodation, security, medical support, and transport, consistent with the 1974 bilateral protocol governing visits to sacred sites across the India-Pakistan border.
The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in 2019 to allow visa-free access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, remains closed from the Indian side, though Pakistan continues to keep its side operational.
Despite political tensions, both governments allowed this year’s pilgrimage to proceed, underscoring the enduring spiritual and cultural ties of Sikhism, a faith rooted on both sides of Punjab prior to the 1947 Partition.
The pilgrims will attend the main ceremony at Nankana Sahib on Wednesday before traveling onward to other historic gurdwaras.
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