255 Sikh pilgrims from Haryana to celebrate Khalsa Sajna Diwas in Pakistan
A jatha (group) of 255 Sikh pilgrims departed from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Kurukshetra for Pakistan on Thursday to celebrate Khalsa Sajna Diwas. The group is scheduled to cross the Attari-Wagah border on April 10 and return on April 19.
Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) president Jagdish Singh Jhinda, who flagged off the pilgrim buses, said, “A jatha has left from Kurukshetra today to celebrate Khalsa Sajna Diwas. A total of 275 people had submitted their documents for the pilgrimage to Pakistan, out of which 255, including four committee employees, have been granted permission. They will visit Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, Lahore and other important places. We request the government to allow at least 1,100 pilgrims from Haryana to visit Pakistan on important occasions.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Centre and state governments for granting permission for the religious tour.
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Jhinda added that since relations between India and Pakistan are not cordial, the pilgrims have been advised to strictly adhere to all rules and regulations prescribed by the government throughout the journey. Executive Committee member Kuldeep Singh Multani and member Harmanpreet Singh also encouraged the pilgrims to follow government guidelines.
Harmanpreet Singh informed that the jatha is scheduled to enter Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border on April 10 and is expected to return on April 19. He added that the delegation will visit and pay homage at Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib, Rori Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib.
Member Inderjit Singh said that by granting permission to the Sikh community to visit the sacred gurdwaras located in Pakistan, the government has demonstrated deep respect for the religious sentiments of the Sikh Panth.
Kurukshetra Zila Parishad Chairperson Kanwaljit Kaur and several other members of the HSGMC were present on the occasion.
