A Pakistani paramilitary soldier stands guard as Indian Sikh pilgrims arrive at the Wagah railway station, yesterday

About 3,000 Sikh yatris (pilgrims) arrived in Pakistan yesterday to celebrate the Baisakhi festival. 
The Evacuee Trust Property Board made arrangements to accommodate the visitors.  Every year in April, thousands of Sikhs come to Pakistan to participate in the festival.
The Indian and Pakistani governments have agreed to give visas to 3,000 Indian Sikhs this year. The number of Sikh visitors from other countries is not fixed.
The Indian Sikhs arrived via Wagah border. They will visit the Nankana Sahab, Sacha Sauda Sahab, Dera Sahab and Gurdawara Roori Sahab in Aimanabad. The main function will be held at Punja Sahab, Hasanabdal. 
The function will feature religious rituals including the Akhand Paat Sahab, Phog, Ardas and Hukam Nama. Thousands of Sikhs are also expected from the UK, the US, Germany, Canada and France. Sikhs from all over Pakistan are also likely to participate. 
Baisakhi was first celebrated reportedly by 25,000 Sikhs on April 13, 1699.