Small group of Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan

The group from Raipur, including four women and two children, reached Shadhani Darbar in Hayat Pitafi village yesterday.

The delegation is led by Satyavart Shadhani, the brother of Yudister Lal, a disciple of Saant Shadharam. Lal could not travel to Pakistan this year and according to tradition, his brother inaugurated the celebrations at Shadhani Darbar, The Express Tribune reported.

The celebrations will include hawan agya (fire worship), recitation of religious text, jariyan (putting a sacred thread around the necks of adolescent boys) and a mass wedding.

The shrine's caretaker, Bhai Jay Ram Das, said the celebrations began with hawan agya.

On the second day, boys between the ages of eight and 15 will have sacred threads tied around their necks.

Ram Das explained that this is a growing up ritual for Hindu boys.

Mass wedding too will be held on the second day and over a dozen couples will get married, the report said.

The couples are from poor families and all expenses will be borne by well-to-do members of the Hindu community, he said.