LAHORE: Following the special directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the 9-day grand celebrations of the 327th Global Vaisakhi Mela 2026 are proceeding with traditional fervour. Marking the second day of the festivities, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora officially laid the foundation stone for the comprehensive restoration and beautification of Gurdwara Sri Kyara Sahib in Nankana Sahib.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted that under the Chief Minister’s roadmap for religious tourism, over 50 Gurdwaras are being restored across the province. He announced that a state-of-the-art 40-room residential complex will be built at Gurdwara Sri Kyara Sahib to provide premium accommodation for pilgrims.
The Minister noted that elaborate arrangements for food and lodging have been made for over 8,000 local and international pilgrims throughout the 9-day event. He confirmed that 2,238 Sikh pilgrims from India are currently visiting their sacred sites under foolproof security and excellent medical protocols. The visiting pilgrims expressed their heartfelt gratitude to CM Maryam Nawaz and termed Pakistan as a “haven of peace and interfaith harmony.”
Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Punjab, Azma Bokhari, has extended a warm welcome to Sikh pilgrims arriving in Punjab from across the world, particularly from across the border, on the occasion of Vaisakhi.
She stated that Vaisakhi is a beautiful, traditional, and historic festival of Punjab, whose vibrant colours represent the true identity of the region. She emphasized that the government of Punjab, while upholding its long-standing traditions, will celebrate the festival this year with full enthusiasm and spirit.
Referring to past celebrations, she noted that last year, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally inaugurated the festivities by harvesting wheat at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, reflecting deep-rooted affection and connection with the Sikh community.
The provincial minister assured that the Punjab government has made excellent arrangements for accommodation, meals, and transportation for Sikh pilgrims. A comprehensive and foolproof security plan has also been put in place to ensure that pilgrims can perform their religious rituals in complete peace and safety.
She further added that Sikh pilgrims have always appreciated Punjab’s hospitality, and this year too, no effort will be spared in serving them. Pilgrims arriving from across the border are honoured guests, and hosting them is a matter of great pride and pleasure for the people of Punjab.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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