TAXILA: Sikh pilgrims from all over the world are scheduled to arrive in Hassanabdal on Nov 5 for a three day pilgrimage to mark the 549th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith.

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Secretary Syed Faraz Abbas told the press on Wednesday that the pilgrims will arrive at Gurdwara Punja Sahib on Nov 5, and will offer various religious rituals.

He was accompanied by Sikh community leaders, ETPB officials, office bearers of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the administration of Gurdwara Punja Sahib and district administration of ficials.

Pilgrims will participate in various rituals, including the patra Punja Sahib, Matha Taki and Ashnan, and will visit the shrine of Baba Wali Qandhari before travelling to Lahore on Nov 7.

In response to a question, Mr Abbas said around 2,000 pil-grims from India are scheduled to participate.

He said all the concerned departments, in coordination with the board, have completed their arrangements for the pilgrimage, including the pilgrims` security, accommodation, food and transportation.

Mr Abbas said that in the wake of the escalation of tensions, the government has made elaborate security arrangements for the pilgrims. Police commandos and Elite Force officials will be deployed for security, and security cameras have been installed inside and outside the gurdwara, he said.

Luggage scanners will be installed at the entrance to the temple, and additional walkthrough gates and cameras have already been installed at the temples pilgrims will visit.

When asked, Mr Abbas said a number of pilgrims from Gulf and European countries will participate in the pilgrimage.

He said the main Parkash Gurpurb ceremony will be held at Gurdwwara Janumasthan Nankana Sahib on Nov 4, and the pilgrims will leave on Nov 11.