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Hassan Abdal / Kartarpur – The annual Vaisakhi festival has officially commenced at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, under the supervision of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the sacred celebrations.

Pilgrims performed traditional religious rituals including Ardas (prayer) and special supplications. In keeping with Sikh customs, langar (community meal) was organized, with female devotees actively participating in food preparation, serving, and various volunteer tasks such as utensil cleaning and maintaining cleanliness.

According to the ETPB spokesperson, Ravinder Singh Sarna, a senior leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from India, expressed deep gratitude during his visit, stating:
"We are overjoyed to visit our holy sites in Pakistan. The arrangements for accommodation, healthcare, and transportation have been outstanding. We are sincerely thankful to the Government of Pakistan and the ETPB administration."

Similarly, Sardar Daljit Singh Sarna, a leader of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, noted that despite the number of pilgrims doubling this year, the Pakistani administration ensured exceptional hospitality and provided all necessary facilities at every site.

Pilgrims also visited the shrine of Baba Wali Qandhari in Hassan Abdal. Gurdwara Panja Sahib was beautifully decorated with colorful illuminations, and the district administration implemented strict security measures throughout the area.

According to ETPB spokesperson Ghulam Mohiuddin, a total of 5,890 Sikh pilgrims from India have been divided into two groups. Under the supervision of Security Officer Asim Chaudhry, both groups will travel from Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Darbar Sahib to Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.

Modern scanners have been installed at all entry and exit points to ensure foolproof security, while uninterrupted power supply is being maintained at the gurdwaras through WAPDA's support.