Nankana Sahib (TDI): Celebrations began on Monday in the eastern Pakistani city of Nankana Sahib to mark the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the revered founder of the Sikh faith.
The annual festival has drawn thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world, with a particularly large contingent arriving from neighboring India.
According to officials, Pakistan has issued more than 2,100 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for this year’s commemoration; one of the largest religious exchanges between the two countries in recent years.
The pilgrims will visit key Sikh heritage sites, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, where the main ceremony will take place on Wednesday.
Other sacred sites on the itinerary include Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, which is connected to India through the visa-free Kartarpur Corridor.
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The corridor allows Indian Sikhs to visit one of their holiest shrines without a formal visa, serving as a rare symbol of cooperation between Pakistan and India despite ongoing political tensions.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manages religious sites in Pakistan, said extensive security, transport, accommodation, and food arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
“This is not just a religious occasion; it is a message of peace and brotherhood,” an ETPB spokesperson said. “Pakistan takes pride in preserving Sikh heritage and welcoming our guests with open hearts.”
For many pilgrims, the journey carries deep emotional significance. The city of Nankana Sahib, about 80 kilometers from Lahore, is home to the gurdwara built at the birthplace of Guru Nanak in 1469.
The event’s scale this year highlights both Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating religious tourism and the enduring bond between Sikh communities across borders.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
