TAXILA: Sikhs from across the world will be arriving for a three day pilgrimage on November 15 to observe the 548th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion`.

The pilgrims are expected to stay in Pakistan till November 29.

Talking to newsmen on Thursday, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB)Deputy Secretary Imran Gondal said the pilgrims will reach the Gurdwara Punja Sahib on November 15 and after offering religious rituals including yatra punja sahib, matha taki and ashnan, visiting the shrine of Baba Wali Qandhari on the hilltop where they will recite from the Garanth Sahibthey will travel to Lahore on November 17.

Mr Gondal said that the ETPB and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee have approved a budget of Rs4.58 million for making preparations for the pilgrims and that all concerned departments have completed the arrangements.

When asked, he said the arrangements include security, accommodation, food and transport. Due to the current situation, he added, the government has made elaborate security arrangements for the pilgrims.

He explained that police commandos and elite force of ficers will be deployed on security duty and that the board has installed security cameras in and outside the gurdwara to avoid any untoward incident.

Mr Gondal said luggage scanners will be installed at the entrance to the Sikh temple and that additional walk through gates and surveillance cameras have been installed at all the temples where the pilgrims will be performing their rituals.

In reply to a question, Mr Gondal said that Sikhs from the Gulf and European countries will also be participating in the pilgrimage.