Festivities Begin in Nankana Sahib
NANKANA SAHIB: The city of Nankana Sahib has come alive with colour and devotion as three days of celebrations marking the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, commenced on Sunday. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan, India, and across the globe have gathered at the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the birthplace of the revered spiritual leader.
The annual religious festival will continue until November 5, with pilgrims participating in special prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), langar (community meals), and other traditional rituals.
Sikh Pilgrims Arriving from India and Beyond
According to officials, over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India are expected to cross into Pakistan through the Wagah Border on Tuesday to join the celebrations. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi confirmed that it had issued more than 2,100 visas to Indian Sikhs under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines — an arrangement designed to promote cross-border religious harmony.
This marks one of the first large-scale religious exchanges between the two countries since diplomatic and travel restrictions were heightened earlier this year following regional tensions.
Indian media reports suggested that New Delhi approved “selected” groups of Sikh devotees to participate in the 10-day festival honoring the founder of their faith.
Security and Facilities for Pilgrims
Authorities in Nankana Sahib have implemented comprehensive security and logistical arrangements to ensure the comfort and safety of visiting devotees. The district administration has established facilitation centers, medical camps, banks, and currency exchange counters near the gurdwara complex.
Local officials estimate that over 30,000 Sikh pilgrims, both domestic and international, will attend the main ceremony later this week.
Symbol of Peace and Interfaith Harmony
For decades, Pakistan has welcomed Sikh pilgrims to observe Guru Nanak’s birth and death anniversaries, as well as major Sikh events like Baisakhi. These visits, conducted under the long-standing bilateral protocol of 1974, have played an important role in promoting religious tolerance and people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries.
However, such visits have occasionally been disrupted due to political or security tensions. In September 2025, India barred Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan for Guru Nanak’s 486th death anniversary, citing security concerns amid heightened regional hostilities.
Background: Tensions Ease After Border Conflict
Relations between Pakistan and India deteriorated sharply after an April 2025 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the assault, a claim Islamabad strongly rejected.
In the weeks that followed, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” resulting in a brief but intense border conflict. Pakistan’s military responded by downing Indian drones and fighter jets, including the French-made Rafale aircraft.
The confrontation ultimately de-escalated following US-mediated ceasefire talks led by then-President Donald Trump, restoring an uneasy calm in the region.
A Message of Unity
Despite political challenges, the ongoing celebrations at Nankana Sahib reflect the enduring spiritual connection shared by Sikh communities worldwide. Pilgrims describe the event as an opportunity not only to honor Guru Nanak’s teachings of peace, equality, and service to humanity, but also to reaffirm the belief that faith transcends borders.
As chants of “Satnam Waheguru” echo through the sacred site, Nankana Sahib once again stands as a beacon of interfaith harmony and devotion.
