Baba Guru Nanak’s 556th Birth Anniversary: Three-Day Holiday Announced

Preparations have been finalized in Nankana Sahib for the celebrations marking the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

According to the district administration, all public and private educational institutions in the city will remain closed from November 4 to November 6, while academic activities at Baba Guru Nanak University will be suspended from November 3 to November 6.

A spokesperson for the district administration said that colleges in the city will also remain closed in view of the large gatherings expected during the celebrations. Chief Executive Education Shazia Bano and the university administration have issued formal notifications for the closure of institutions.

Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, are expected to participate in the celebrations. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi recently issued 2,100 visas to Indian Sikh devotees under the 1974 bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines.

During their visit, Sikh pilgrims will offer prayers at Gurdwara Janam Asthan (Nankana Sahib), Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hassan Abdal), and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur, Narowal).

Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich extended a warm welcome to the Sikh pilgrims and expressed good wishes for them, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating religious tourism and promoting interfaith harmony.