The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 3,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the birthday celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, taking place from November 14 to 23.
In a post on X, the Pakistan High Commission in India stated, “The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 3000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the Birthday Celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji to be held in Pakistan from 14-23 November 2024.”
Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, also extended his well wishes to the pilgrims, saying, “Expressing his views on the occasion, Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich, extended his heartfelt felicitations and wished the pilgrims a fulfilling yatra.”
The Indian pilgrims will visit sacred sites, including Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Gurdwara ‘Janam Asthan’ in Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib, the final resting place of Guru Nanak in Pakistan.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, is a significant festival marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh gurus. This sacred occasion is marked by devotion, spiritual gatherings, and hymn recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Celebrated annually on the full moon date of Kartik month, also known as Kartik Purnima, the day is also referred to as Parkash Utsav.
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Guru Nanak Dev, born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan), dedicated his life to promoting peace, equality, and tolerance. On Gurpurab, prayers are held throughout the day in Gurdwaras, with celebrations continuing late into the night. A key aspect of the festival is the langar, or community meal, where the traditional ‘kada prasad’ is served. On this day, many engage in ‘Sewa’ and offer food as an act of devotion.