Pakistan invites Indian Sikhs For Guru Nanak’ Dev's 551st Birth Anniversary at Nankana Sahib on November 27

The three-day celebrations, known as Guru Nanak Gurpurb, will begin at Nankana Sahib on November 27.

Every year, a large number of Sikh pilgrims from India and different parts of the world gather at Gurdwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, in Pakistan’s Punjab province to mark his birth anniversary.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to affect festivities this year.

VISA WILL EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 2

Indian pilgrims will be offered a five-day visa to enter the country upon the proof of a mandatory Covid-19 negative test, The Express Tribune reported.

The Waqf Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) have also sent regular invitations and itineraries to Sikh societies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, for attending the festivities.

In view of the coronavirus pandemic, Sikhs from India will be allowed to stay in the country only for a limited period of time, with no extensions.

The special five-day Nankana Sahib visa will effectively expire on December 2.

“All pilgrims coming to partake in the festivities of Baba Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary will required to observe and abide by all Covid-19 standard operating procedures throughout their stay, even after showing the mandatory negative Covid-19 test,” an official of the country’s Waqf board said.

NO STAY OR SHOPPING IN LAHORE

For the first time, Sikh pilgrims visiting the country will also not have the option to stay or shop in Lahore and be required to exit the country upon conclusion of religious festivities.

According to Satwant Singh, Indian pilgrims will be welcomed at the Wagah border on November 27, from where they will be taken to Nankana Sahib through a special bus service.

“The pilgrims will have access to Gurdwaras in Nankana Sahib and will also get to participate in the nagar kirtan (religious procession). At the end of which, they will be shuttled back to Wagah on December 1, to head back to India,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/pakistan-invites-indian-sikhs-for-guru-nanak-s-551st-birth-anniversary-at-nankana-sahib-on-november-27

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi