Sikh pilgrims leave for Pakistan to celebrate 555th Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev
A Sikh jatha (group of pilgrims) comprising around 750 members departed from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar today, heading to Pakistan to celebrate the 555th Prakash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. The group would cross over at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post, with the process currently underway.
The main event would take place on November 15, and the pilgrims would visit several historic gurdwaras in Pakistan, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib (the birthplace of Guru Nanak), Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. The 10-day pilgrimage would conclude on November 23.
Grand Nagar Kirtan in Amritsar
To mark the occasion, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) organised a grand Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) from the Akal Takht, led by the ‘Panj Pyaras’ (five beloved ones). Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, carrying the ‘saroop’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib on his head, was accompanied by Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and other officials. The procession passed through the streets surrounding the Golden Temple, filling the air with hymns and religious fervour.
Pilgrims reflect on the journey
Sohan Singh Thind, a devotee from Jhinda Kalan in Mansa district, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit Sri Nankana Sahib. "I feel fortunate to have received the visa, especially since only four out of eleven applicants from our village were granted permission. I appeal to both the Indian and Pakistani governments to issue more visas," he said.
Navjot Kaur from Rajasansi, Amritsar, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the deep emotional connection Sikhs have with the shrines left behind in Pakistan after Partition. "We pray daily to visit these holy sites, and the governments should understand our sentiments and issue more visas. Of the four family members who applied, only two were granted visas," she shared.
Balwant Singh from Mohali, who received his visa on his first attempt, also appealed for more lenient visa policies, noting many devotees were disappointed at being unable to travel.
Visa issues, appeals
The SGPC had sent 2,244 applications for visas to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi; however, 1,481 of these were rejected. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh criticised the high rejection rate, which exceeded 60 per cent this year, compared to 45 per cent last year. "We have repeatedly requested Pakistan to grant visas liberally. It is unfortunate that 1,481 applications were rejected without valid reasons. We will continue to raise the issue with Pakistan's authorities," he said.
Jagjit Singh Bhullar, working president of the Vishav Bhai Mardana Society in Ferozepur, shared similar concerns, stating out of 884 applications, only 329 pilgrims were granted visas — just 35 per cent. "I urge the Pakistan government to be more considerate of Sikh sentiments and issue more visas, especially on Gurpurbs," he said.
Celebrations in Amritsar
In addition to the Nagar Kirtan, the Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) organised a large-scale procession to commemorate the occasion. Thousands of students from KCGC institutions took part in the vibrant march from the Khalsa College campus to the Golden Temple. The procession featured colourful displays, traditional Gatka (Sikh martial arts), musical bands and the chanting of holy hymns. The students, along with the ‘Panj Pyaras’, paraded through the city, passing landmarks such as GT Road, Putlighar, Sadar, Railway Station, Bhandari Bridge, Hall Gate and Town Hall, spreading the spirit of devotion and celebration.
This year's celebrations are marked by both joy and concern over the visa issues, as devotees continue to hope for more opportunities to visit the sacred sites in Pakistan.
