Indian Sikhs Gather in Pakistan for Jor Mela Celebration

Over 800 Sikhs from India have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Jor Mela, a three-day festival honoring the death anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. They will visit several historical Gurdwaras during their 10-day stay before returning on June 17.

Over 800 Sikhs from India arrived in Pakistan on Saturday to take part in the Jor Mela, a three-day festival commemorating the death anniversary of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

The Jor Mela is set to be held from June 15 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. Ghulam Mohayuddin, an officer from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), informed PTI that the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Punjab Minorities Minister, Ramesh Singh Arora, along with senior ETPB officers, warmly welcomed the 846 visiting pilgrims at the Wagah border.

The Sikh pilgrims expressed great joy upon their arrival. “We will have the darshan (blessing to witness) of our Guru's land. I feel very happy,” said Gurbachan Singh, who heads the delegation. He added that there's a sense of belonging here.

Arora, the first Sikh minister in Pakistan’s Punjab province, stated that all arrangements for the Sikh pilgrims had been made by the ETPB, which manages the affairs of minorities in the country. Special provisions have been made for their security, transport, and medical facilities.

So soon after arriving, the pilgrims left for Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasanabdal, located about 400 kilometers northwest of Lahore. During their 10-day stay, the Indian Sikh pilgrims will also visit Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak; Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad; Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal; and Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Aminabad. They are scheduled to return on June 17.