ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism, is being celebrated with reverence and enthusiasm at Nankana Sahib.
Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from within Pakistan and around the world are arriving to partake in the commemorations. This includes over 3,000 Sikh yatrees from India reaching tomorrow through Wagah border.
This three-day celebration, running from November 13 to 16, has seen special arrangements to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, with facilities including help counters, money exchange services, mini hospital, langar, accommodation, transport at the Gurdwara Janam Asthan.
Pilgrims from the UK expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome they received, describing the love and respect from Pakistan as overwhelming. “Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is a very brave woman. We will always remember the welcome we have been accorded,” they added.
Sikh visitors from New York were greeted with flower petals and garlands upon arrival at Nankana Sahib.
In Peshawar, an event commemorated Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary with a dignified ceremony attended by a large number of Sikhs.
Held at a local hotel, the gathering highlighted Guru Nanak’s enduring message of peace, love, and tolerance. Speakers lauded his teachings, and a ceremonial cake was cut in honour of the spiritual leader. The participants were apprised of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Additional Secretary Auqaf Abdul Kabar reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and protections of religious minorities.
Sources say all arrangements for the birth anniversary celebrations have been completed