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Sikh pilgrims returning home after Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan

Sikh pilgrims returning home after Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan
April 21, 2019
LAHORE (92 News) – Indian Sikh pilgrims started to return back to their homes on Sunday morning after celebrating Baisakhi festival at gurdwaras in Pakistan. Over 2,000 Sikh yatrees from across the world attended Baisakhi Mela, however, the yatrees started return to India through special trains after completing their visit on Sunday. Some of them had left back for their homes in India through Wagah Border Railway station. However, the Sikh pilgrims had come to Pakistan on April 12 to participate in the annual Baisakhi celebrations. A special train carrying 624 Sikh pilgrims left for India this morning, which was followed by another train with 834 pilgrims on board. The third train carrying the remaining pilgrims will leave later today. Baisakhi marks the beginning of a new harvest season. During their stay in Pakistan, the pilgrims paid visits at the religious shrines of Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib. A three-day celebration of Baisakhi festival concluded at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassan Abdal last Sunday. Sikh pilgrims from across the world visited Pakistan to celebrate their religious festival. The pilgrims lauded the arrangements for accommodation, food and transport for Sikh Yatrees, saying they were up to the mark and added that such facilities were not available to them in India. They said that said it was heartening to see a warm welcome by the local people, embracing and taking selfies with them.
Over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims attend Baisakhi Mela at Kartarpur
Over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the world attended Baisakhi Mela at Kartapur on Friday. On their arrival, they were served ‘Langar’, fruits and soft drinks. They performed their religious rituals. Medical camps were set up to provide healthcare facilities to the yatrees. Talking to 92 News, the yatrees said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had won the heart of the Sikh community by opening the border. “Minorities enjoy complete religious freedom in Pakistan,” they said. They said that Pakistan had completed 70 per cent of the corridor and now it is India’s responsibility to expedite the work. The Sikh yatrees will return to India through special trains after completing their visit on Sunday.