Sikh pilgrims arrive from India for Jore Mela

Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived at the Wagah Border on Wednesday to participate in the Jore Mela, the death anniversary commemorations of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Their arrival signifies a significant event for religious observance and inter-country relations.

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Pakistan’s soil conveyed a message of peace, love and harmony.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Punjab Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq, and officials from the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Minister Arora stated that Pakistan's soil conveys a message of peace, love, and harmony, noting that the government had facilitated visas for all applicants.

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Such a large number of Sikh pilgrims had arrived in Pakistan for the occasion after a gap of 14 years.

Nasir Mushtaq highlighted the significance of this gathering, mentioning that it is the largest group of Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan for this occasion in 14 years. The death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji is being observed with a spirit of unity and devotion. Extensive arrangements have been put in place for the pilgrims, including medical facilities, robust security measures, quality transport services, and provisions to protect them from the intense summer heat. CCTV cameras have also been installed to ensure comprehensive security.

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We regard Pakistan as our second home and described the country’s Sikh religious sites as sacred to their faith.

Leaders of the Indian Sikh delegation, Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar and Parmjeet Singh, expressed their deep connection to Pakistan, referring to it as their second home and its Sikh religious sites as sacred. They spoke of the profound spiritual peace experienced upon arrival and conveyed hopes for the continued flourishing of love, goodwill, and peace between the people of India and Pakistan. The main ceremony is scheduled to take place at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.

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The spiritual peace they experienced upon arriving in Pakistan was beyond words and expressed hope that love, goodwill and peace would continue to flourish between the peoples of the two countries.