Amritsar, Nov 4 (IANS): A devoted group of Sikh pilgrims set out from Amritsar for Pakistan on Tuesday under the banner of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to take part in the celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Parv. The pilgrims will participate in religious ceremonies at Nankana Sahib — the birthplace of Guru Nanak — and visit other historic gurdwaras across Pakistan.
Akal Takht Sahib’s Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, accompanied the group and offered prayers for a spiritually enriching and safe journey.
Speaking to the media before the departure, Jathedar Gargaj said that while the government had granted visas to the devotees, the Langar services at Kartarpur Sahib were still not fully operational. He stressed that the Kartarpur Corridor was “not just a route for pilgrimage, but a bridge that connects hearts.” He expressed hope that the government would soon take steps to fully reopen the corridor.
Highlighting Kartarpur Sahib’s deep spiritual significance, he noted that Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years there, making it a site of great reverence for Sikhs. “It is every Sikh’s heartfelt wish to bow their head at this sacred shrine without any obstacles,” he said.
Jathedar Gargaj also suggested that future pilgrimages could be made more accessible by allowing entry through Aadhaar-based identification instead of passports.
Delivering a spiritual message on Guru Nanak’s Prakash Parv, he reminded the Sangat of the Guru’s three timeless principles — Kirat Karo (earn honestly), Naam Japo (meditate on God’s name), and Vand Chhako (share with others). “These teachings form the foundation of Guru’s Langar, inspiring equality, service, and unity in society,” he said.
He also prayed for global peace, harmony, and the release of Sikh prisoners, urging the community to live by the Guru’s teachings. “Those who walk on the path of truth and righteousness are the true heirs of Guru Nanak’s legacy,” he added.
Expressing excitement, one devotee shared, “I am overjoyed to visit Pakistan for the first time. It feels like a dream to be part of this sacred journey.”
