Hindu Pilgrims have always had the tradition of offering their prayers at the Katas Raj Temple in Pakistan for Shivarathri even after the separation of India and Pakistan in 1947. This year too the tradition continues as 88 devout Hindu pilgrims have dared to walk into Pakistan despite the security threats to pray to the Mahadev, Lord Shiva.

They reached Lahore yesterday from the Wagah land Border where Evacuee Trust Property Board officials received them warmly. This trust board maintains all the shrines of the minorities in Pakistan.

These pilgrims will move to the Katas Raj temple in Chakwal today. The district of chakwal is near Islamabad where the major festivities will be held. For two days, rituals will be held at Chakwal until March 10, Maha Shivaratri.

One Indian pilgrim opined that the ties between the nations should be improved to promote peace in the troubled regions and ease the visa regulations. Security was the first priority for the pilgrims, made by the Pakistan officials. They will leave back for Lahore on March 11 to visit Krishna Mandir and other religious sites. They will leave Pakistan on March 13th through Wagah.

(AW- Anil)