Guru Nanak’s 486th Anniversary Ceremonies Begin Without Indian Pilgrims

Ceremonies marking the 486th death anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak began today at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Thousands of Sikh devotees from across Pakistan and abroad gathered to honor the founder of Sikhism. The three-day religious event will continue from September 20 to 22. The Gurdwara holds special significance as Guru Nanak spent his final 18 years at this sacred site. However, Indian Sikh pilgrims were absent due to a ban by the Indian government.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs denied permission for Sikh citizens to cross the Kartarpur Corridor for the event. Officials cited ongoing security concerns and tensions between India and Pakistan as the reason. This decision was met with strong criticism from Sikh leaders and opposition politicians in India. They argued that religious travel should not be blocked when sporting ties, like cricket matches, are ongoing. Former lawmaker Sukhbir Singh Badal urged Indian authorities to reverse the decision.

Despite the absence of Indian pilgrims, the Pakistani government ensured smooth arrangements for those attending from other countries. Pilgrims performed prayers and paid respects at Guru Nanak’s shrine with full devotion. Many expressed disappointment that Indian Sikhs were denied access to such a significant spiritual event. The Kartarpur Corridor had previously allowed visa-free access for Indian pilgrims since its opening in 2019. The move to block entry this year dampened hopes for cross-border religious unity.

Every year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan for key religious events like Baisakhi and Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. These visits are allowed under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines. The agreement aims to promote peace and religious harmony between the two nations. However, recent tensions have disrupted normal arrangements and affected the spiritual connection many Sikhs feel with shrines in Pakistan.

Relations between India and Pakistan worsened after a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22. India blamed Pakistan for the killings of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, an accusation Pakistan strongly rejected. India responded with “Operation Sindoor,” but Pakistan defended its territory effectively. Pakistani forces shot down Indian drones and fighter jets, including a French-made Rafale. A ceasefire was eventually reached through U.S. mediation, but tensions still remain high.