LAHORE, Dec 19: Approximately 70 Hindu pilgrims entered Lahore from India on Thursday to engage in religious ceremonies at the Katas Raj temples in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
The Katas Raj Temples, also referred to as Qila Katas, comprise a series of interconnected Hindu temples linked by walkways. This temple complex encircles a pond known as Katas, which holds sacred significance for Hindus.
The delegation, led by Vijay Kumar Sharma, arrived via the Wagah border crossing and received a warm welcome from Additional Secretary (Shrines) Saifullah Khokhar and President of the Pakistan Hindu Temple Management Committee, Krishna Sharma.
“A total of 71 Hindus reached here on Thursday to participate in the festivities at the Katas Raj temples. The pilgrims will journey from Lahore to the Katas Raj temples located in Chakwal, approximately 300 kilometers away, via special buses under tight security on Friday,” reported Ghulam Mohayuddin, spokesperson for the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to PTI.
On December 21, the pilgrims are scheduled to perform various religious rituals, including Bhanu Saptami, at the temple, alongside several Pakistani Hindus. The evening activities will feature the traditional lighting of lamps (Deep Mala).
The week-long pilgrimage will conclude on December 25, on which day the delegation will return home.
Speaking to reporters at Wagah, Sharma expressed his appreciation for the cordial welcome and stated that their visit fosters peace and love. He commended the arrangements made by the ETPB.
Additional Secretary (Shrines) Saifullah Khokhar noted that under the guidance of ETPB Chairman Syed Ataur Rehman, extensive arrangements for security, accommodation, and transportation have been established for the Hindu pilgrims.
Krishna Sharma, President of the Pakistan Hindu Temple Management Committee, assured that Hindu worship sites in Pakistan are secure, and the ETPB continues to oversee their upkeep and renovation.
Earlier this month, the ETPB inaugurated a new residential complex designed for Hindu pilgrims at the Katas Raj temples.
According to the ETPB, a 36-room residential facility adjacent to the Katas Raj temples was built at a cost of PKR 190 million.
“We have ensured that Hindu pilgrims visiting from around the world, including India, can have all necessary amenities during their stay here,” said Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain during the inauguration event.
Additionally, he mentioned that 6,000 plants of various species have been planted to enhance the temple’s environment, and efforts for heritage conservation have been paired with modern infrastructure and environmental awareness.
He further indicated that the ETPB has installed a 40-KW solar power system and ample parking facilities at the Katas Raj temples, ensuring that Hindu pilgrims and tourists from within Pakistan and across the globe can enjoy comprehensive amenities. (PTI)
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