Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) has launched the first online portal for the convenience of Sikh pilgrims to facilitate information, booking and digital payments for foreign Sikh pilgrims for pilgrimage to tourist and religious places in Pakistan. Tickets for double decker tourist buses in Patriata and Lahore by TDCP are available online.

Baisakhi 2023 Festival in Pakistan

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a significant festival for the Sikh and Punjabi community. It is celebrated on the 13th or 14th of April every year, marking the start of the harvest season in the northern hemisphere. In Pakistan, where a significant population of Sikhs and Punjabis reside, Baisakhi is a joyous occasion that brings together people of different faiths and cultures. This article delves into the history, traditions, and celebrations of Baisakhi 2024 Festival in Pakistan.

During the visit, pilgrims will visit Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. The main Baisakhi and Khalsa Janam Day celebrations will be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal.

History of Baisakhi

Baisakhi has its roots in the 17th century, when Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, founded the Khalsa Panth, a community of initiated Sikhs. The Guru chose Baisakhi as the day to form the Khalsa as it was an auspicious day and marked the onset of the harvest season. Since then, Baisakhi has been celebrated as a day of religious significance and cultural harmony.

Baisakhi Celebrations in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Baisakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in the province of Punjab. The city of Lahore, in particular, is known for its elaborate Baisakhi celebrations, which attract thousands of people every year. The celebrations include cultural shows, food stalls, and a variety of performances by local artists. In addition to this, gurdwaras, or Sikh temples, hold special prayers and langars, or community meals, where people of all faiths come together to partake in the festivities.

Significance of Baisakhi

Baisakhi holds great significance for both the Sikh and Punjabi communities. For Sikhs, it marks the birth of the Khalsa Panth and the initiation of the first five Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh. It is a day of religious significance and is celebrated with prayers and offerings. For Punjabis, Baisakhi is a time to celebrate the harvest season and the bounty of nature. It is a day of thanksgiving and joy, marked by cultural events and festivities.

Fahad Munir

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