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Sea of colours, faith marks Baisakhi at Panja Sahib
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Good News

Sea of colours, faith marks Baisakhi at Panja Sahib

From Dawn · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Thousands of Sikh pilgrims gathered at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi and the 327th anniversary of the Khalsa.
  • Pilgrims from India and other parts of the world participated in religious rituals, including prayers and the langar (communal kitchen).
  • The event commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh and reaffirms Sikh principles of courage, equality, and service.

The sacred grounds of Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, Pakistan, resonated with spiritual devotion and vibrant colors as Sikh pilgrims from around the globe converged to celebrate Baisakhi and the 327th anniversary of the Khalsa. This annual festival, marking a pivotal moment in Sikh history with the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, drew over 2,200 yatris from India, alongside devotees from other nations.

Punjab has long served as a spiritual home to Sufis, saints and Gurus. It is a land where the very earth seems to carry the essence of love, harmony, and deep reverence for humanity, and Gurdwara at Hassan Abdal is a living example of it

— Sardar Ramesh Singh AroraPunjab Minister for Minority Affairs, speaking about the spiritual significance of Punjab and Gurdwara at Hassan Abdal.

The atmosphere was steeped in reverence, with the air filled with the recitation of Gurbani. Pilgrims, adorned in traditional attire, patiently queued to pay homage at one of Sikhism's holiest shrines. The courtyard transformed into a spectacle of faith, where prayers were offered, and the spirit of selfless service was embodied through participation in the sacred langar. Many were visibly moved, shedding tears as they touched the holy rock bearing the handprint attributed to Guru Nanak Dev.

This is more than a journey—it feels like returning home in a spiritual sense

— Sardar Hardeep SinghA devotee expressing his emotional connection to the pilgrimage at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, highlighted Punjab's spiritual significance, stating, "Punjab has long served as a spiritual home to Sufis, saints and Gurus. It is a land where the very earth seems to carry the essence of love, harmony, and deep reverence for humanity, and Gurdwara at Hassan Abdal is a living example of it." This sentiment was echoed by Sardar Hardeep Singh, a devotee who described the pilgrimage as a spiritual homecoming, reconnecting him with his ancestral roots.

Setting foot on this sacred land brings us deep peace. Pakistan holds profound significance for us as the land of our Gurus, and visiting Panja Sahib allows us to reconnect with our heritage

— Harpreet KaurAn Indian pilgrim describing the spiritual and historical importance of visiting Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

For Indian pilgrims like Harpreet Kaur, the visit to Panja Sahib is a profound journey of faith and heritage. "Setting foot on this sacred land brings us deep peace. Pakistan holds profound significance for us as the land of our Gurus, and visiting Panja Sahib allows us to reconnect with our heritage," she shared, emphasizing the deep sense of belonging and the unforgettable love received from the local Pakistani people. The festival not only marks the harvest season but also serves as a powerful reminder of Sikh identity, commitment, and the enduring legacy of their Gurus, celebrated on land that holds deep historical and spiritual importance for the community worldwide.

Every corner here tells a story of our faith

— Harpreet KaurAn Indian pilgrim reflecting on the deep spiritual heritage evident at the shrine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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