A sea of vibrant colours, spiritual devotion and historic reverence marked the Baisakhi festival and the 327th birth anniversary of the Khalsa at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, where thousands of Sikh pilgrims, including more than 2,200 yatrees from India, gathered to perform sacred rituals and reaffirm their deep-rooted connection with the land of their Gurus.

From the early hours of the morning, the holy premises echoed with the recitation of Gurbani, as devotees clad in traditional attire — men wearing turbans of bright hues and women in colourful dupattas — queued patiently to pay obeisance at one of Sikhism’s most revered shrines. The occasion commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, a defining moment in Sikh history that symbolises courage, equality and spiritual discipline.

The courtyard of the gurdwara presented a striking visual spectacle. Pilgrims bowed their heads in humility, offered ardas (prayers), and took part in the sacred langar, embodying the Sikh principles of selfless service and communal harmony. Many devotees were visibly moved, with tears in their eyes as they touched the sacred rock bearing the handprint associated with Guru Nanak Dev, after whom the shrine is named.

“Punjab has long served as a spiritual home to Sufis, saints and Gurus. It is a land where the very earth seems to carry the essence of love, harmony, and deep reverence for humanity, and Gurdwara at Hassan abdal is a living example of it”, said Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs , Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora.

“This is more than a journey—it feels like returning home in a spiritual sense,” said Sardar Hardeep Singh, a devotee , his voice filled with emotion. He said that he was just five years old when he along with his parents moved from a village near Gujranwala. He said that still today he is in contact with his childhood friends who show him his ancient place through video calls.

“Setting foot on this sacred land brings us deep peace. Pakistan holds profound significance for us as the land of our Gurus, and visiting Panja Sahib allows us to reconnect with our heritage,” said another Indian pilgrim, Harpreet Kaur. “Every corner here tells a story of our faith,” she added. “We feel a deep sense of belonging. The love we receive from the people here is unforgettable.”

The Baisakhi festival, celebrated annually on April 13 or 14, holds dual significance — marking the harvest season in Punjab and commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa Panth. For Sikhs worldwide, it is a day of renewal, reflection and reaffirmation of their spiritual commitments. The Baisakhi celebrations at Gurdwara Panja Sahib once again underscored the enduring spiritual ties that connect Sikh communities worldwide to their sacred heritage in Pakistan. The convergence of thousands of pilgrims, including those from across the border, served as a powerful testament to faith’s ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together in shared reverence.

Throughout the day, scenes of devotion unfolded across the sprawling complex. Elderly pilgrims were seen leaning on walking sticks yet determined to complete their rituals, while young volunteers assisted in distributing food and water.

As the sun set behind the Jablat Hills, the gurdwara complex glowed with lights, and the recitation of evening prayers created a serene and contemplative ambience. Devotees continued to pour in, each carrying personal hopes, prayers and gratitude.

As the final prayers concluded and the holy verses faded into silence, a sense of serenity descended upon Gurdwara Panja Sahib — not as an ending, but as a timeless continuation of faith, echoing in every heart that had gathered in the courtyard of the Guru.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026