Sikh pilgrims pay homage to Guru Nanak.

TAXILA -- Gurdwara Punja Sahib on Thursday morning came alive as Sikh pilgrims chanted slogans like 'Wahe Guru Ji Ki Khalsa', 'Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh' and 'Jo Bole So Nihal'.

Sweets (prasad) were distributed to pilgrims present at the temple as they were marking the 553rd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion. Over 3,000 pilgrims including 2,409 from India reached here to perform their religious rituals including Matha Taki, Ashnan and the exchange of gifts. Sardar Harvinder Singh - a granthi at the temple said that Guru Nanak's birth is celebrated everywhere in the world.

He added that Guru Naka Jayanti (birth celebrations) fall on the full moon day of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, which falls in November. Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Sardar Saleem Haider also visited the temple to greet the pilgrims. He cut a cake to mark the celebrations.

Addressing the pilgrims, he said that Pakistan is considering issuance of online visas for the pilgrims who want to visit their holy places and attend their religious gatherings. He added that there was no restriction from the government over the visit by the pilgrims and besides their historical events, they could apply for a pilgrimage visa around the year.

Talking to journalists, a Sikh pilgrim from India - Sardar Gurmeet Singh said that the pilgrims had come to Pakistan with a message of love, peace, friendship and harmony.

'Pakistan is the land of Sikh Gurus and Sikhs love this land as this is our second homeland. We are always welcomed with love and it is a true example of Sikh-Muslim friendship,' he said.

Another pilgrim Sardar Arvinder Singh lauded...