In the first major crossing since May’s military clashes, hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India on Tuesday crossed into Pakistan for the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. 

 

The pilgrims were welcomed by Pakistani officials who presented them with flowers and showered them with rose petals at the Wagah-Attari border crossing.

 

The pilgrimage for Indian Sikhs begins days after Pakistan rose above India’s politics of hate and issued visas to more than 2,100 pilgrims to attend the annual celebration.

 
According to reports, the visas were issued by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi under the 1974 Protocol on Religious Pilgrimages – an agreement between Pakistan and India allowing citizens from both countries to visit each other’s religious sites.

 
The celebrations are being held in Pakistan from November 4 to 13 with thousands of Sikh devotees expected to join the annual festivities.

 
During their visit, the pilgrims will travel to several sacred gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak; Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, which is one of Sikhism’s holiest sites.

 
These historic shrines hold deep religious and cultural importance for the global Sikh community, drawing thousands of pilgrims every year for prayers and community gatherings.

 
Earlier, Chargé d’Affaires Saad Ahmed Warraich welcomed the pilgrims at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and extended his best wishes for a “blessed and spiritually fulfilling journey”.

 
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Sikh pilgrims from around the world, saying such initiatives highlight the country’s dedication to interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and cultural understanding.

 
“Pakistan will continue to extend full support to Sikh pilgrims to make their spiritual journeys meaningful and memorable,” Warraich said.