Hundreds of visiting Indian Sikh pilgrims officially crossed back into India via the Wagah Border on Saturday, June 20, 2026, after concluding their emotional 10-day religious journey in Pakistan. The Yatris were visiting to observe the solemn rituals of the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela, an annual festival managed under the strict supervision of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

A high-profile Pakistani delegation gathered at the Wagah Border to formally bid farewell to the departing guests. The send-off committee included ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) Pradhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary of Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, and PSGPC Secretary General Satwant Kaur.

Indian Pilgrims Praise Pakistan's Hospitality and Upkeep

Speaking to media personnel at the border, the leader of the Indian delegation, Sardar Bhupinder Singh, expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception they experienced throughout their stay. He noted that the visitors felt safely accommodated and deeply respected during their spiritual journey.

"We are returning to India carrying a universal message of love, peace, and tolerance from Pakistan," Sardar Bhupinder Singh stated. "Our holy Gurdwaras here are safer, more secure, and more beautiful than ever before."

The departing pilgrims extended their heartfelt thanks to the ETPB, the PSGPC, and the Government of Pakistan for providing impeccable, round-the-clock administrative services. The comprehensive facilities arranged for the Yatris included:

• Secure and highly coordinated transportation services

• On-site medical camps and emergency healthcare facilities

• Comfortable, upgraded residential accommodations

• Traditional, hygienic Langar (community kitchen) arrangements

• Top-tier security protocols at all transit points and holy shrines

A Vision of Safety and Global Representation

ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman highlighted that in line with the direct vision of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan remains fully dedicated to the rigorous preservation and beautification of Sikh holy sites. He reiterated that welcoming international pilgrims with top-tier hospitality remains a national priority.

Adding to this sentiment, PSGPC Pradhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized the global connection Sikhs share with the country. He remarked that while Sikhs are a minority within local borders, the global Sikh diaspora of millions collectively looks to Pakistan as a spiritual homeland due to its sacred geography.

Next Sikh Jatha Arriving June 21

The cross-border spiritual exchanges are set to continue without delay. Additional Secretary of Shrines Nasir Mushtaq shared that the administrative machinery remains continuously prepared to host international visitors who are eager to visit their sacred heritage sites.

Furthermore, he announced that the next major milestone is just around the corner. A fresh batch of Indian Sikh pilgrims is scheduled to arrive through the Wagah Border on Sunday, June 21, 2026, to participate in the upcoming death anniversary commemorations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.