Amritsar: A large group of Sikh devotees is set to return to India on Sunday through the Attari–Wagah Joint Check Post after completing a religious pilgrimage in Pakistan to mark Baisakhi and Khalsa Sajna Diwas.
The jatha, comprising 2,236 pilgrims, had travelled across the border earlier this month to pay obeisance at several revered Sikh shrines. The visit was facilitated through special permission, as cross-border movement had remained restricted in recent times due to security concerns.
A significant portion of the group—over 1,700 devotees—hailed from Punjab and was coordinated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The delegation was led by its executive member Surjit Singh Tugalwal. Other pilgrims joined from different parts of the country with support from Sikh organisations, including the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and similar bodies from various states.
During their stay, the devotees visited prominent religious sites such as Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Gurdwara Dehra Sahib and Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, among others. These shrines hold deep historical and spiritual significance for the Sikh community.
Officials have put in place elaborate arrangements at the Attari border to ensure the smooth return of the pilgrims. Authorities are also maintaining stricter verification protocols at the check post, following past incidents that raised security and administrative concerns.
Earlier, a small number of pilgrims had reportedly faced delays during departure due to procedural issues, prompting authorities to further streamline documentation and compliance requirements.
The successful completion of the pilgrimage is being seen as a positive step in facilitating religious travel while balancing security considerations.
