After paying obeisance at several Sikh shrines, jatha will return to country on April 18
Amritsar, April 9:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) today sent a jatha (group) of 1,052 Sikh pilgrims to participate in the religious congregation to be organised on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi) at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Pakistan.
At the time of departure, the leaders of Sikh jatha including SGPC members Amarjit Singh Bhalaipur, Balwinder Singh Vain Puin, Jaswant Singh Pudain, Bibi Joginder Kaur, former secretary Kulwant Singh, additional secretary Harjit Singh Lalughuman as general manager, were honoured with Siropao (robe of honour) and garlands.
Sikh jatha leader Amarjit Singh Bhalaipur said that several Sikh shrines are situated in Pakistan and the community longs to see them and pay obeisance there, therefore, the governments of both nations should grant visas with an open heart. He thanked SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami for entrusting him with the leadership of the jatha.
At the time of departure of Sikh jatha, SGPC secretary Partap Singh said that this jatha has departed to participate in the main congregation of Khalsa Sajna Diwas Baisakhi to be organised at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib. He said the jatha will reach Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib on April 9, and after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Sahib, Mandi Chuharkana on April 10, it will return to Nankana Sahib. The jatha will reach Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib on April 12, and participate in the main congregation on April 14. On April 15, the jatha of Sikh pilgrims will reach Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore and visit Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Eminabad and Gurdwara Sri Kartapur Sahib on April 16. After staying at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore on April 17, the Sikh jatha will return to India on April 18.
Partap Singh also said that the SGPC has sent holy Gutka Sahibs of Gurbani, kanghas (combs), karhas (iron bracelets), Kirpans, shawls, tea, with the jatha. He said on the day of the main congregation on Baisakhi, Amrit Sanchar (initiation ceremony) will be organised at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib.