Devotees travel via Attari–Wagah border for a 10-day pilgrimage, calling for easier visa access and smoother cross-border procedures.
Amritsar, April 10 — Around 2,840 Sikh pilgrims from across India departed for Pakistan on Thursday to participate in Baisakhi celebrations and visit key religious sites associated with the Sikh faith. The group crossed over through the Attari–Wagah border, marking the beginning of a 10-day pilgrimage.
Key Highlights
A significant portion of the pilgrims—1,763 individuals—are part of the जत्था (jatha) organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Others have joined from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Haryana Sikh bodies, and various state groups.
The pilgrims will visit prominent Sikh shrines in Pakistan, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, among others. The group is scheduled to return to India on April 19 after completing religious ceremonies tied to Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi), observed on April 14.
Official Statement
Jatha leader Surjit Singh Tugalwala described the pilgrimage as spiritually significant, noting that visiting these historic sites is a deeply cherished aspiration for many Sikhs. He highlighted the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, emphasizing values of unity, equality, and service, particularly through the tradition of langar.
SGPC Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan said the यात्रा (yatra) is an annual religious event organized to allow devotees to reconnect with their spiritual heritage. He added that the pilgrimage is conducted under established bilateral arrangements between India and Pakistan.
Visa Approvals and Concerns
According to SGPC officials, 1,795 passport applications were submitted for the यात्रा, of which 1,763 were approved by the Pakistan High Commission. A total of 32 applicants were denied visas, leading to disappointment among some devotees.
Pilgrims have urged both governments to increase the number of visas granted for such religious visits. They also called for simplifying procedures related to the Kartarpur Corridor and removing the $20 fee currently imposed by Pakistan for access.
Increased Participation of Women Pilgrims
This year’s जत्था includes approximately 200 women traveling independently, marking a notable shift from earlier restrictions. Previously, solo women pilgrims were not permitted to undertake the यात्रा alone.
However, the inclusion comes with stricter safeguards. Following a controversy last year involving a pilgrim who did not return to India, authorities have introduced enhanced verification protocols.
Enhanced Security and Verification Measures
To ensure compliance and avoid any repeat incidents, SGPC has implemented a multi-layered verification system, particularly for solo women pilgrims. Each applicant is required to submit a written undertaking affirming that the visit is solely for religious purposes.
This document must be attested by family members, local administrative authorities such as the village sarpanch and nambardar, and the concerned SGPC representative. Officials said the measures aim to maintain transparency, accountability, and adherence to pilgrimage norms.
Context and Significance
Baisakhi, also known as Khalsa Sajna Diwas, marks the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and is one of the most important festivals in Sikhism. Pilgrimages to Pakistan hold particular importance as several key religious sites linked to Sikh history are located there.
Despite ongoing diplomatic challenges between India and Pakistan, such religious exchanges continue under bilateral agreements, offering devotees an opportunity to visit sacred locations across the border.
Public Impact
For thousands of Sikh devotees, the pilgrimage represents both a spiritual journey and a rare chance to access heritage sites outside India. However, limited visa approvals and procedural hurdles continue to affect participation.
Calls for easing restrictions and improving access reflect broader concerns within the community about preserving religious connections across borders.
Conclusion
The 10-day pilgrimage underscores the enduring cultural and religious ties that transcend national boundaries. As the pilgrims proceed with their journey, stakeholders on both sides are likely to face renewed demands for more inclusive and accessible arrangements in future religious exchanges.
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Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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