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Jatha reaches Panja Sahib
Harbans Singh Virdi
Tribune News Service

Panja Sahib (Hassan Abdal), June 17
This place of great reverence for the Sikhs derives its name from the hand (Panja) imprint on a boulder above a water spring. The place falls in Hassan Abdal, which is 48 km from Rawalpindi en route to Peshawar or Abbottabad. It is a beautiful and quiet place. Thousands of Sikhs from all over the world visit this shrine to pay homage to Guru Nanak Dev.

The 150-member Sikh Jatha was taken to Hassan Abdal in three AC buses. Accompanied by top Pakistani officials the Jatha completed a 370 km fascinating journey in seven hours and reached Panja Sahib Gurdwara here at 7 p.m. (Indian time). All along it was one of the most stunning experiences for those who were not so far introduced to the land of mystery and adventure. The Pakistan motorway, one of the showpieces in Asia, winding its way through great mountains and high passes, left a memorable experience, a moment to cherish all their lives, for the Jatha members some of whom were struck by its beauty and splendour. The six-lane road cuts through the heart of the mountains to leave behind saltmines of Pind Dadar Khan. On the way Kalhar Kahar, which is known as mini Kashmir, left a bewitching impact on the Jatha with its scenic surroundings and a quiet lake.

Throughout the journey heavy police security accompanied the Jatha. For the Jatha members it was a welcome ‘retreat’ from the oppressive heat of Lahore. Hassan Abdal is a sub-montane area and the climate is cool. The moment the jatha reached the gurdwara gate, it started drizzling, making it all the more pleasant.

Meanwhile, differences have cropped up between the SGPC and the DSGMC Jathas with the latter insisting on travelling in different buses. There is an under-current of tension. There were arguments between members of the two Jathas just before the journey. However, the matter did not reach the flashpoint.