Baisakhi Mela 2026 Concludes: Over 2,200 Sikh Pilgrims Depart Pakistan via Wagah Border
LAHORE, Pakistan — The annual Baisakhi Mela celebrations officially concluded today, April 19, 2026, as more than 2,200 Indian Sikh pilgrims crossed back into India via the Wagah Border. Carrying messages of peace and harmony, the departing yatris expressed profound gratitude for the "exemplary hospitality" and extensive facilities provided by the Pakistani government during their religious journey.
The pilgrims were bid farewell by a high-level delegation, including Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Qamar-uz-Zaman, and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq.
Countering Misconceptions with Hospitality
Despite regional tensions, the pilgrims noted that the environment in Pakistan remained peaceful and welcoming. Jatha leader Sardar Harjeet Singh described the visit as "unforgettable," while other pilgrims admitted they had arrived with negative misconceptions fueled by media reports.
"We were given a false impression of Pakistan before coming," several yatris shared emotionally. "But here, we found immense love, respect, and total freedom to perform our religious rituals. We will carry this truth back to India and the rest of the world."
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Religious Tourism
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Punjab Government collaborated to provide comprehensive support for the visitors, including:
Logistics: Special transport and accommodation across all holy sites.
Healthcare: Round-the-clock medical assistance for the yatris.
Security: High-level security protocols ensuring a safe environment for worship.
Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that Pakistan remains a model for interfaith harmony, adding that the government is committed to further expanding religious tourism. Minister Ramesh Singh Arora also used the occasion to urge the Indian government to reopen the Kartarpur Border to facilitate easier access for devotees.
A Future of Religious Diplomacy
As the pilgrims departed, many were visibly emotional, describing the bond formed during the trip as "indescribable." Nasir Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Shrines, reaffirmed that serving the pilgrims is an honor for Pakistan. He emphasized that the large turnout this year is a testament to the growing global confidence in Pakistan’s management of minority religious sites.
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