Scores of Hindu pilgrims from India reach Pakistan to celebrate 'Shivaratri'

Islamabad: Scores of Hindu pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Wagah Border to celebrate 'Shivaratri', the festival of Lord Shiva, with their near and dear ones.

According to a Pakistani news portal, more than 120 Hindu pilgrims arrived in Pakistan through the Wagah Border on Saturday alone.

Evacuee Trust Property Board chairman (ETPB) Siddiqul Farooq, secretary Khalid Ali, Hindu leader Manohar Chand, Sikh leader Sardar Sham Singh and others welcomed the pilgrims in Lahore.

The pilgrims went to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore for a one-day halt and from there they were expected to leave for Chakwal on March 6, where they will perform rituals, the dailytimes.com.pk reported.

On March 7, they will participate in the main ceremony at Katas Raj Mandir Chakwal, the report added.

Parliamentarians from the minority community in the country will also participate in the main ceremony.

On March 8, the pilgrims will return to Lahore, where they will stay in Krishna Mandir for two days and perform their rituals.

They will return to India on March 11.

ETPB chairman Siddiqul Farooq said the board has provided all facilities including security, accommodation, medical and transport etc. for the pilgrims.

“The Walled City of Lahore Authority, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with ETPB would organise the visit of pilgrims to historical places of walled city free of cost,” he added. He stressed the need for good relations between Pakistan and India for durable peace in the region.