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–Thousands of Sikh pilgrims return after nine-day Vaisakhi celebrations, citing strong hospitality, security, and interfaith harmony across Pakistan
Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: Thousands of Indian Sikh pilgrims returned home on Sunday after completing Vaisakhi 2026 celebrations in Pakistan, praising the country’s hospitality and security arrangements during the nine-day religious visit.
The pilgrims departed through the Wagah border after attending events marking the 327th anniversary of the Khalsa, a key moment in Sikh history established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Officials said between 2,238 and 2,800 pilgrims participated in the annual festival held from April 10 to April 19 across Punjab province.
The main congregation took place at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, drawing large numbers of devotees for prayers and rituals. Pilgrims also visited other sacred sites, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, where the Kartarpur Corridor facilitates visa-free access for Indian Sikhs.
Religious ceremonies included Nagar Kirtan processions, Akhand Path recitations, and langar services, reflecting Sikh traditions of communal worship and equality. Cultural events and devotional gatherings were also held in Lahore and nearby areas, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Punjab authorities, under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, coordinated arrangements in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board. Officials said facilities were upgraded this year, including improved accommodation, transport services, and security protocols for visiting pilgrims.
Several pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, describing their visit as peaceful and spiritually fulfilling. Many highlighted the respectful treatment they received and the ease of access to religious sites. Television footage and social media posts showed pilgrims thanking Pakistani authorities before their departure.
Pakistan hosts thousands of Sikh pilgrims annually under a bilateral religious tourism framework with India. According to official data, the country is home to more than 20 significant Sikh heritage sites, many of which have undergone restoration in recent years. The government has invested in infrastructure upgrades to promote religious tourism, particularly since the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019.
Tourism officials say religious tourism contributes steadily to local economies, especially in Punjab. According to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, religious tourism has seen gradual growth, supported by improved security conditions and targeted policy initiatives. The corridor alone has facilitated visits by hundreds of thousands of Sikh pilgrims since its inauguration, despite intermittent political tensions between the two countries.
Analysts note that events like Vaisakhi serve as rare channels of people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan, where formal diplomatic engagement remains limited. Cultural and religious exchanges often continue even during periods of strained relations, offering opportunities for soft diplomacy.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a custodian of Sikh heritage, emphasizing preservation and accessibility of historic sites. Restoration projects at Nankana Sahib and Panja Sahib, along with digital documentation initiatives, have been undertaken with support from both government bodies and international Sikh organizations.
The successful आयोजन of Vaisakhi 2026 comes amid broader efforts to promote interfaith harmony within Pakistan. Officials say the state remains committed to ensuring freedom of worship and facilitating visits by foreign pilgrims across religious communities. Similar arrangements are made annually for Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian visitors to heritage sites.
Regional observers say sustained religious tourism could support confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan if managed consistently. However, they caution that political stability and visa policies remain critical factors in determining long-term growth in cross-border pilgrimages.
As pilgrims returned home, many described their journey as a reminder of shared cultural heritage across borders. Officials expect future festivals to attract even larger numbers if current facilitation measures continue.
The successful hosting of Vaisakhi 2026 reinforces Pakistan’s role in Sikh religious tourism and highlights the importance of maintaining access to historic shrines such as Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib for global Sikh communities.
