Jore Mela Celebrations at Gurdwara Dera Sahib Begin as 600 Sikh Pilgrims Arrive from India

Approximately 600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah Border to participate in the Jore Mela celebrations at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. This marks the largest group of Sikh pilgrims for this occasion in 14 years, reflecting growing religious harmony and people-to-people contact between the two nations. Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora and other officials welcomed the pilgrims, assuring them of extensive arrangements for their stay, travel, healthcare, and security, including special measures for the ongoing heatwave. The pilgrims expressed gratitude for Pakistan's hospitality, considering it a second home, and praised the upkeep of Sikh holy sites, hoping for continued growth in religious tourism despite political tensions. The main ceremony is scheduled for June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.