Amritsar, June 10 (K.L. Jit Walia): A jatha (group) of 541 Sikh pilgrims, organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), departed today for Pakistan to participate in the martyrdom anniversary celebrations of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The delegation left from the SGPC office amid chants of religious slogans under the leadership of SGPC members Bhopinder Singh Bhalwan and Gurmeet Singh Booh.
Before the departure, leaders of the delegation were honored with traditional siropas by Gurinder Singh Mathrewal, Secretary of the Dharam Prachar Committee, along with Shahbaz Singh, Bijay Singh, Jaswinder Singh Jassi, Preetpal Singh, and Bhagwant Singh Dhangera.
The pilgrims will participate in the martyrdom celebrations at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, on June 18 and are scheduled to return to India on June 19.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhopinder Singh Bhalwan said that Sikh devotees had long desired to pay obeisance at the martyrdom site of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He noted that for several years, a jatha could not visit Pakistan for the occasion, but this year permission was granted by the grace of the Guru. He expressed hope that both governments would ensure the annual continuation of such pilgrimages in accordance with the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Secretary Gurinder Singh Mathrewal informed that the jatha will first visit Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. On June 11, the pilgrims will proceed to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Sahib, Sheikhupura. On June 12, they will visit Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, followed by Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib on June 14.
On June 15, the group will visit Gurdwara Sri Rori Sahib, Eminabad, before reaching Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. The recitation of Sri Akhand Path Sahib in connection with the martyrdom events will commence on June 16. The pilgrims will participate in the main commemorative programs on June 18 and return to India on June 19.
Several SGPC officials, including Superintendent Nishan Singh, Malkiat Singh Behrwal, Incharge Jagjit Singh, and Supervisor Karamjit Singh, were also present on the occasion.
KL JIT WALIA
