Sikh organizations welcome approval for pilgrimage to Pakistan

Sikh organisations and the Akal Takht have welcomed the central government’s decision to allow the Sikh jatha (group) to visit historic shrines in Pakistan, including Nankana Sahib, on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s Parkash Purb (birth anniversary). The announcement brings relief to devotees who were deeply disappointed when the government, on September 12, decided not to send the jatha this year.

Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said that the earlier decision had hurt Sikh sentiments. Every year, Sikhs worldwide celebrate Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, and visiting the sacred birthplace of the Guru in Nankana Sahib is a cherished desire for the community. He highlighted that allowing jathas to visit Pakistan helps strengthen communal harmony and improves relations between India and Pakistan. Gargaj also suggested that opening trade routes between the two countries could further enhance peace and stability in the region.

The decision to permit the pilgrimage came after sustained efforts by several Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and prominent Sikh personalities. These groups had corresponded with the government, urging approval for the jatha’s visit. Gargaj praised their efforts, saying that the combined push of the Sikh community was crucial in securing the green signal for this year’s pilgrimage.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami welcomed the government’s decision and reiterated the importance of allowing jathas to maintain regular visits to sacred gurdwaras in Pakistan. Such visits, he said, are a vital part of Sikh tradition and help preserve the community’s religious and cultural heritage.

Calls to reopen Kartarpur Sahib corridor

Alongside celebrating the government’s approval, Sikh leaders have urged authorities to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which has been closed since India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The corridor provides direct access to one of the holiest Sikh sites, and its closure has affected devotees wishing to pay homage at the shrine.

Harmeet Singh Kalka, president of the DSGMC, also hailed the government for allowing the jatha to visit Pakistan and emphasized that faith and religious practices should not be restricted due to political tensions. Similarly, All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and MLA Pargat Singh welcomed the decision, stating that it reaffirms the principle that politics cannot confine faith. He said that the government’s approval recognizes the dignity of Sikh traditions and respects the right of every Sikh to bow at sacred shrines.

Pargat Singh also pointed out the inconsistency in policies, noting that if cricket matches can be played between India and Pakistan even during times of political strain, denying Sikh devotees the right to visit Nankana Sahib or other historic gurdwaras is unjustifiable. He emphasized that religious sentiments and faith practices should be respected above political considerations.

ALSO READ: RSS completes 100 years of service and organisation

ALSO READ: Coffee on empty stomach? AIIMS doctor warns against these coffee habits

The government’s decision is seen as a positive step towards maintaining goodwill and cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. Regular pilgrimages by Sikh jathas have historically strengthened people-to-people ties and promoted peace in the region. By allowing the visits, authorities aim to maintain the delicate balance between national security concerns and the religious rights of citizens.

Officials from both SGPC and DSGMC noted that devotees are eager to make the pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib and other key gurdwaras in Pakistan. These visits not only hold spiritual significance but also help preserve centuries-old traditions that define Sikh heritage. Leaders believe that ensuring uninterrupted access for jathas can inspire greater communal harmony and foster cross-border understanding.

In conclusion, the central government’s decision to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan during Guru Nanak’s Parkash Purb has been widely welcomed by Sikh bodies and leaders. While the approval addresses immediate concerns and religious sentiments, calls to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reflect the community’s desire for ongoing access to sacred sites. Together, these steps represent a reaffirmation of faith, tradition, and cross-border goodwill, highlighting the importance of respecting religious practices while maintaining peace and stability in the region.