Sikh pilgrims from India, who arrived in Pakistan via Wagah Border in connection with Baisakhi Mela and 327th Khalsa Day celebrations, performed their religious rituals at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
On the occasion, a traditional kabaddi tournament was organised in the outer premises of the shrine in collaboration with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Project Management Unit (PMU) Kartarpur and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), in honour of the visiting pilgrims. The event was attended by Pardhan PSGPC Ramesh Singh Arora, CEO PMU Kartarpur Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, along with district administration officials.
Speaking to media, Nasir Mushtaq said that through hospitality and service to pilgrims, Pakistan was promoting a message of peace and harmony worldwide, adding that such cultural activities played a vital role in strengthening ties among nations. Ramesh Arora said that Pakistan desired peace not only in the region but across the world, adding that the country was the first home of Sikhs. He termed kabaddi a cultural heritage of Punjab and called for opening of the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate pilgrims from India.
The kabaddi match was played between UK Kabaddi Club and Ghang Kabaddi Club, drawing enthusiastic participation from pilgrims. The shrine premises echoed with slogans of “Bole So Nihal” and “Pakistan Zindabad,” while pilgrims also performed bhangra to the beat of drums.
The leader of the Indian Sikh delegation appreciated the arrangements made by the authorities, including security, accommodation and medical facilities, and thanked Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman, security forces and district administration. Pilgrims expressed that they would spread the message of peace and respect they experienced in Pakistan across the world. According to the schedule, they will visit Gurdwara Rori Sahib on April 17 before arriving in Lahore, and will return to India via Wagah Border on April 19 after a two-day stay.