New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 3,000 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims to attend the grand celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, set to take place from November 14-23 in Pakistan. This annual pilgrimage will allow Indian devotees to visit revered shrines, including Dera Sahib in Lahore, Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib, and the revered Kartarpur Sahib the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The High Commission shared the news in a post on X, stating, “The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 3,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 14-23 November 2024.” Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Waraich also extended warm wishes, hoping the pilgrimage would be a spiritually fulfilling journey for all attendees.
Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti: Celebrating the Life and Teachings of Sikhism’s Founder
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Observed with great reverence, the festival falls on the full moon day of Kartik (Kartik Purnima) and is celebrated worldwide with devotional gatherings, hymn recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, and continuous prayers. Known as Prakash Utsav, this day signifies enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Sikhism emphasizes the values of equality, peace, and compassion, teachings that Guru Nanak Dev Ji dedicated his life to spreading. Born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), Guru Nanak’s birthplace has since become a pivotal site for Sikhs, symbolizing his lifelong journey of promoting universal love and unity.
Journey to Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib: Sacred Pilgrimage Sites
Indian pilgrims on this sacred journey will experience the historical and spiritual essence of Guru Nanak’s life. Nankana Sahib, his birthplace, will hold special prayers and gatherings, as it remains a central site of devotion for Sikhs worldwide. At Kartarpur Sahib, his final resting place, pilgrims will engage in prayers and seva, upholding the principles of community service and humility that Guru Nanak emphasized.
Unity Through Langar and Community Service: Celebrations of Peace and Brotherhood
A unique feature of Gurpurab is the Langar, where food is prepared and served by devotees as a form of selfless service. At Kartarpur Sahib and other sites, pilgrims will partake in the traditional Kada Prasad and Langar meals, symbolizing the spirit of equality and unity. Many devotees take part in ‘seva’ by serving food and performing other community services, creating an environment of warmth and generosity.
This pilgrimage is not just a spiritual journey but also a bridge of peace, as Sikh pilgrims from India gather at these sacred sites in Pakistan, connecting across borders to celebrate the values of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
