Sikh Group Arrives in Pakistan for 'Vaisakhi'; Iran Delegates Visit 'Darbar Sahib'

April

2026

A 2,238 member Sikh group crossed over to Pakistan on 10 Apr via the Attari-Wagah check post to celebrate Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Khalsa Foundation Day) at historic Sikh shrines and Vaisakhi, a harvest festival, which marks the development and enthronement of ten founder-Gurus’ ideal being the Sikh collective—Guru Khalsa Panth. The Sikh pilgrims arrived at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib via special buses but 150 members were stopped by Indian authorities from proceeding because they failed to get security clearance from the Indian Union Home Ministry. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has introduced stricter norms for solo women travelers after the 2025 controversy involving Sarbjit Kaur, who stayed back in Pakistan during a religious visit and later married a Pakistani national. Over 240 solo women devotees had to submit a written undertaking confirming the purely religious purpose of the pilgrim. The pilgrims are scheduled to return on 19 Apr. Additionally, devotees from across the world gathered at Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) to commemorate the birth anniversary of the fifth Sikh Sovereign Guru Arjan on 9 Apr. An alaukik jalao (divine radiance) exhibition was arranged at Darbar Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne, AT), and Baba Atal Rai Tower for the occasion which showcased rare and valuable items preserved in the Darbar Sahib toshakhana (treasury). Concurrently, a high-level Iranian delegation led by religious leader Dr. Mohammad Hussain Jivand visited the Darbar Sahib on 7 Apr to pay obeisance and meet SGPC officials. Dr. Jivand extended an invitation to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and the AT Jathedar (leader) Kuldip Singh Gargajj for a special commemorative event on 12 Apr at the Iran Culture House, Delhi. The event was attended by president Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) Paramjit Singh Sarna and a few representatives of the Indian government. Dr. Jivand also lauded the resolution passed by the Panjab Assembly in support of Iran. Furthermore, Sikh families based in the UK have donated a sound system to the Darbar Sahib and as Gurdwara Sahib Pontian, Malaysia marks its 50^th anniversary, the Johor state government has announced a USD 465K funding for the Sikh community (earlier coverage).