A group of around 5,800 Sikh pilgrims returned to India through the Wagah-Attari border on Saturday after celebrating Khalsa Sajna Divas and Baisakhi at various gurdwaras in Pakistan.
The pilgrims faced long queues in the scorching heat at the Attari border due to limited immigration and security staff. Three people reportedly fell ill and were given medical help.
The Pakistan High Commission had issued around 6,500 visas for this special pilgrimage — more than double the number issued last year. The unexpectedly large number of pilgrims caused challenges with accommodation and food arrangements in Pakistan.
To manage the crowd, the group was split in two, with some staying at Gurdwara Panja Sahib and others at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. Thousands of devotees also visited Gurdwara Nankana Sahib on Baisakhi.
SGPC general secretary Gurcharan Singh Kohala, who was part of the group, said authorities in Pakistan tried their best to help, but due to the huge turnout, problems were still faced, especially at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
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