ETPB holds 163rd death anniversary of Baba Bankhandi Maharaj at Sadhu Bela Temple

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jul, 2026) The main ceremony marking the 163rd death anniversary of Hindu spiritual leader Baba Bankhandi Maharaj was held at the historic Sadhu Bela Temple, located on an island in the Indus River, under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property board (ETPB).

ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman attended the ceremony as chief guest.

The ceremony was attended by ETPB Secretary Nasir Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Chairman of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee Krishan Sharma, Hindu community leaders, pilgrims and devotees from Sindh and other parts of the country.

Special prayers, bhajans and other religious rituals were performed in accordance with Hindu traditions during the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Qamar-uz-Zaman said the government of Pakistan was taking effective measures to ensure religious freedom for minorities, protect their sacred places of worship and provide the best possible arrangements for religious festivals and ceremonies.

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He said the annual event at Sadhu Bela Temple reflected Pakistan's commitment to religious harmony, tolerance and the protection of minority rights.

Krishan Sharma appreciated the arrangements made by the ETPB for the pilgrims, including accommodation, langar (community meals), transport, boat services, medical facilities, cleanliness and other essential services. He thanked the ETPB and the Government of Pakistan for facilitating the religious gathering.

The ETPB, district administration and law enforcement agencies made comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the peaceful conduct of the ceremony.