The religious ceremonies marking the 187th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh concluded on Tuesday under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), as Sikh pilgrims departed for India after completing a 10-day pilgrimage in Pakistan.
The pilgrims were seen off at the Wagah Border by ETPB Secretary Nasir Mushtaq accompanied by President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members and Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Abbas.
Speaking before their departure, the Sikh pilgrims expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan, the ETPB and the PSGPC for love, respect, religious freedom and warm hospitality extended to them during their stay.
They said they had felt at home throughout their visit and appreciated the excellent arrangements, including accommodation, langar (community meals), transportation, medical facilities, cleanliness and security.
The pilgrims said Sikhs living across the world wished to visit Pakistan’s sacred religious sites and that they would convey Pakistan’s message of peace, love, brotherhood, religious tolerance and interfaith harmony upon their return.
Ramesh Singh Arora said the pilgrims were returning with a message of affection and reverence for Pakistan. He said restoration and renovation work was currently underway at around 50 historic gurdwaras across the country.
He thanked ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman and the entire board team for their dedicated efforts in facilitating and serving the pilgrims. On the occasion, Nasir Mushtaq said the ETPB, district administration and law enforcement agencies had ensured foolproof security arrangements throughout the pilgrimage. He said the Pakistani government remained committed to promoting religious tourism, strengthening interfaith harmony and preserving the sacred places of worship of minority communities.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the Indian Sikh pilgrims returned home carrying pleasant memories, best wishes and feelings of love and respect for Pakistan.