Amritsar: A group of Sikh devotees departed from Amritsar for Pakistan on Tuesday under the banner of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to participate in the celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev’s Prakash Parv. The pilgrims will visit Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, along with other historic Gurdwaras across Pakistan.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj accompanied the devotees, offering prayers for their safe and spiritually enriching journey.
Before departure, Jathedar Gargaj told the media that while visas had been issued to the pilgrims, the Kartarpur Sahib Langar was still not fully operational. He emphasised that the Kartarpur corridor was “not just a route for pilgrimage but a bridge that connects hearts.”
Expressing hope that the government would soon reopen the corridor completely, he highlighted that Guru Nanak spent his final years in Kartarpur Sahib, making it one of the most sacred places for Sikhs.
“It is every Sikh’s heartfelt wish to bow their head at this holy shrine without any obstacles,” he said. He also suggested that pilgrims should be allowed to visit through Aadhaar-based identification instead of passports to make the journey easier.
Delivering a spiritual message on the occasion, Jathedar Gargaj reminded the Sangat of Guru Nanak’s three guiding principles — Kirat Karo (earn honestly), Naam Japo (meditate on God’s name), and Vand Chhako (share with others). “These teachings are the essence of Guru’s Langar, which continues to promote equality, service, and unity,” he said.
Praying for global peace, harmony, and the early release of Sikh prisoners, he urged devotees to follow the Guru’s path, saying, “Those who walk on the way of truth and righteousness are the true heirs of Guru Nanak’s legacy.”
A first-time pilgrim shared his excitement, saying, “I am overjoyed to visit Pakistan for the first time. It feels like a dream to be part of this sacred journey.”
