Hindu Pilgrims Arrive in Pakistan for Maha Shivratri Festivities

Over 100 Hindu pilgrims from India have reached Lahore, Pakistan, to participate in religious ceremonies at the Shri Katas Raj temples during the Maha Shivratri festival. Led by Trilok Chand and Raghu Kant, the group will attend various rituals and travel to key sites before returning to India.

Over 100 Hindu pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore on Monday to partake in religious festivities at Shri Katas Raj temples in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to an official statement.

ETPB spokesperson Ghulam Mohayuddin told PTI that 109 Hindu pilgrims crossed the Wagah border to observe rituals for the Maha Shivratri event. The group, led by Trilok Chand and Raghu Kant, was warmly welcomed by Additional Secretary (Shrines) Saifullah Khokhar, Deputy Secretary Umar Javed Awan, and members of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee, along with senior officials and local Hindu leaders.

Raghu Kant expressed joy at the hospitality they received, noting that special arrangements were made under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and ETPB Chairman Syed Ataur Rehman. After stopping at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, the pilgrims are set to perform Maha Shivratri rituals at the historic Katas Raj temple before returning to India on March 2. Pakistan hosts several prominent temples, including the popular Katas Raj and Sadhu Bela sites.

(With inputs from agencies.)