Amritsar: A Sikh jatha of 1,052 pilgrims crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border to celebrate the ‘Khalsa Sajna Diwas’, also known as Baisakhi. Their trip has been organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
A total of 2,856 visas, for the duration April 9-18, were issued to the pilgrims by the Pakistan High Commission. It is learnt that a total of 2,475 pilgrims have gone to Wagah through land route so far. The main event has been scheduled at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14.
The SGPC had sent 1,161 passports and requisite documentation to the Pakistan authorities, visa applications of 109 individulas were rejected.
A jatha leader, Amarjit Singh Bhalaipur, said, “Several Sikh shrines are situated in Pakistan and the community longs to pay obeisance there. Therefore, the governments of both the nations should grant visas with an open heart, keeping in mind their sentiments.”
SGPC secretary Partap Singh said the jatha had reached Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib. The devotees will pay obeisance at Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Sahib, Mandi Chuharkana and return to Nankana Sahib.
On April 12, the jatha is scheduled to visit Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib. “On the day of the main congregation, April 14, Amrit Sanchar (initiation ceremony) will also be organised at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib,” he said.