Sikh jatha leave for Pakistan to observe martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev, ETPB to begin conservation of haveli of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Gujaranwala

AMRITSAR: A Sikh jatha will cross over to Pakistan via Attari land border on Saturday to observe the martyrdom anniversary of the fifth Sikh master Guru Arjan Dev at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, Pakistan.
President of Bhai Mardana Yadgari Kirtan Darbar Society, Harpal Singh Bhullar informed that around 750 Sikh pilgrims representing various Sikh groups will be visiting Pakistan to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev.
Giving further details , the Acting Additional Secretary (Shrines), Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Saifullah Khokhar who was at Wagah (Pakistan side of border) to receive the pilgrims informed “Pakistan has issued 962 visas to Indian pilgrims and we will receive them at Wagah international border. Keeping in view the scorching heat, we have arranged state of art air-conditioned buses which will take the pilgrims straight to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abadal” said he. Before leaving for Panja Sahib, the ETPB has arranged for a splendid reception for the ‘yatris’ at Wagah and they will be served langar. “We have also made arrangement for their langar on the way to Panja Sahib” said Khokhar.
He said the pilgrims will observe the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev at Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on June 16 before returning to India on June 17.
Notably, owing to the differences between dates between the 'moo'l Nanakshahi Calander, and the amended Nanakshai Calander, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is observing the day on June 10 and has refused to send the Jatha to Pakistan where the martyrdom day will be observed on June 16.
Meanwhile, ETPB is all set to begin the conservation of the haveli of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh which had collapsed in the recent past.
Khokhar informed that ETPB had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Walled City of Lahore Authority for the comprehensive conservation project for the historic haveli Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
“We will soon launch the conservation project,” said Khokhar.
Reportedly, a portion of the haveli of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala, a city in Pakistan , had collapsed yet it was declared ‘safe’ for the visitors. The haveli has also been declared a protected heritage by the Pakistan Archaeology Department .
Sources informed that the conservation project will involve restoration to preserve the haveli's original structure, ornate decorations, intricate carvings, structural consolidation, roofing, and flooring. This will not only ensure the property's structural integrity but also maintain its aesthetic appeal.
“After completion of the conservation work, the haveli will be repurposed for adaptive reuse, providing a unique opportunity for the local community and tourists to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region,” said sources.