Thirty-thousand Sikh pilgrims expected to participate in Vaisakhi festival

WEB DESK: At least thirty thousand Sikh pilgrims from across the world have begun arriving in Pakistan for the annual Vaisakhi (also called Baisakhi) festival celebrations scheduled from April 10 to 19. Authorities expect approximately 3,000 pilgrims from India as well.

The Punjab Home Department has implemented comprehensive security measures across major gurdwaras in the province. Security arrangements include the installation of walk-through gates and CCTV cameras at all major religious sites, along with a three-tier security system at sensitive locations. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to conduct combing operations in surrounding areas before the festival begins and remove all encroachments near religious sites.

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Meanwhile, customs and immigration officials have established dedicated counters to ensure smooth processing, while power companies have been instructed to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply to gurdwara complexes. Railway police will provide enhanced security for pilgrims traveling by train, with additional measures at stations and aboard trains.

The Vaisakhi festival marks the beginning of the Sikh new year and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth. Pakistan hosts significant numbers of Sikh pilgrims annually for celebrations at historic gurdwaras, particularly at Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, which is one of the most sacred sites for Sikh pilgrims outside India.

This year’s attendance is expected to surpass last year’s figures, which saw participation from over 25,000 devotees including 2,500 from India. The increase follows improved arrangements for religious tourism between the two countries. Local administrations have been instructed to ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance around all religious sites hosting the celebrations.