NEW DELHI, In a heartening move that cuts through the usual India-Pakistan chill, Pakistan has handed out more than 2,100 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims. This is all set for the big Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations from November 4 to 13. It’s a chance for thousands of devotees to head to holy spots like Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur, where their founder Guru Nanak spent his last days.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi shared the good news on X today. “We have issued over 2,100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the birth celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan,” their post said. This yearly pilgrimage happens under a 1974 agreement between the two countries, letting Sikhs cross borders for key festivals like this one, Baisakhi, and others.
But it’s not all smooth prayers and processions. Security worries are high after the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, where 26 tourists lost their lives. There are also whispers of plans to mix politics with piety during the visit. Still, for many Sikhs, this trip is a dream come true – a link to their roots divided by the 1947 Partition.
SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, who leads many such jathas, said, “This pilgrimage is our right and our peace. We thank both governments for making it possible, even in tough times. Guru Nanak taught oneness – let’s live it.” Indian PM Narendra Modi has always backed these visits, calling Kartarpur a “corridor of hope.”
A Quick Look at Guru Nanak Jayanti – Why It Matters So Much
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan’s Nankana Sahib. He’s the first Guru of Sikhism, preaching equality, honest work, and sharing with others. His birthday, or Prakash Purab, is a massive festival for over 25 million Sikhs worldwide.
In India, celebrations kick off with Akhand Path – non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib – at gurdwaras from Amritsar to Delhi. Langars feed everyone for free, and processions with floats and hymns fill the streets. But for many, the real pull is Pakistan. That’s where Guru Ji lived, taught, and passed away at 70.
This year, with 2,100-plus visas, expect big crowds at Nankana Sahib for the main event on November 15 (by Nanakshahi calendar). Pilgrims will do ardas (prayers), join kirtan (devotional singing), and visit other sites like Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal.
Fun Fact: Last year, over 3,000 pilgrims went, but numbers dipped due to floods and tensions. This time, hopes are high for a peaceful yatra.
The Visa Process: Simple Steps for Devotees
Getting these visas isn’t rocket science, but it needs planning. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar handles registrations. Pilgrims apply online or at their offices, submit docs like Aadhaar, photos, and medical fitness (for over-65s).
Once approved, the Pakistan High Commission issues group visas – no individual hassle. “It’s group travel only, with SGPC leading the jatha,” explains an SGPC official. Costs? About Rs 2,000-3,000 per head for basics, plus the infamous $20 fee at Kartarpur.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Khan said, “We welcome our Sikh brothers and sisters. This is our commitment to religious harmony, no matter the politics.” India cleared the jathas last week, showing goodwill despite border flare-ups.
| Key Dates for Pilgrimage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Oct 25-30, 2025 | Visa issuance & group formation |
| Nov 4-13, 2025 | Travel to Pakistan, stay at gurdwaras |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Main Prakash Purab at Nankana Sahib |
| Nov 13-15, 2025 | Return to India via Wagah/Attari |
Kartarpur Corridor: The Game-Changer, Now Extended Till 2029
Remember 2019? PM Modi handed over the keys to the Kartarpur Corridor on Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. It was a wow moment – a 4-km visa-free path from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab straight to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district.
This gurdwara is special: Guru Nanak lived his last 18 years here, farming and teaching. Partition sealed it off, but now up to 5,000 Indians can visit daily, year-round. No visa needed – just a passport and that $20 e-permit from Pakistan.
Last October, both sides quietly extended the deal for five more years. MEA said, “This ensures smooth access for our pilgrims.” Pakistan called it a “renewal for peace.”
But here’s the sore point: That $20 charge. India has begged Pakistan to drop it – “It’s against the spirit of sewa (service),” says MEA. Pilgrims from small towns say it’s a burden. “Why pay to pray?” asks a Delhi-based devotee. Pakistan says it’s for upkeep, but Sikh groups want it gone.
MEA’s Firm Stance: “We urge no fees on pilgrims.” Talks continue, but no luck yet.
Shadows of Security: Pahalgam Attack Still Fresh
April 22, 2025: A sunny day in Pahalgam’s meadows turned bloody. Terrorists in army fatigues opened fire on tourists – 26 dead, including Hindus, a Christian, and locals. It was the worst attack on civilians in Kashmir since 2019’s Pulwama.
Blame went to Lashkar-e-Taiba, with Pakistan links. India hit back with diplomacy and ops. The fallout? Kartarpur shut briefly in May for “security.” Pilgrim numbers crashed – from thousands to hundreds daily.
Now, with Guru Nanak trip nearing, fears linger. “Will our jatha be safe?” worry families. Indian security will escort at borders, but inside Pakistan? SGPC has asked for extra checks. UN chief Antonio Guterres, who once praised Kartarpur as “hope,” condemned Pahalgam: “Terror has no place in faith.”
Whispers of Propaganda: Politics in the Prayer Halls?
Here’s a worrying buzz from August. A Khalsa Vox report said Pakistan’s spy agencies met in Lahore to plan “anti-India shows” during pilgrim visits. Ideas? Banners saying “India hates Sikhs,” slogans at gurdwaras, even seminars on “attacks on Sikhs in India.”
But good news: Sikh bodies like Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) shot it down. “Don’t mix politics with dharam,” they warned. An ETPB official said it could end visits – and hurt their wallet big time.
Why the cash crunch? ETPB manages 16 Sikh shrines in Pakistan. Kartarpur closure cost them Rs 70 million a month in offerings and fees. Two big pilgrimages got axed too. “We need these visitors – for money and goodwill,” admitted a PSGPC member.
SGPC’s Dhami added, “We’ve told Pakistan: Keep it pure. No games.” So far, no banners spotted, but eyes are peeled.
Past Troubles: Floods, Closures, and Hopes
Kartarpur isn’t new to hiccups. Partition locked the shrine for 72 years. Reopened in 1999 after fixes, but visits were rare.
2019’s corridor was magic – first batch of 550, led by ex-PM Manmohan Singh, crossed amid cheers. But floods hit hard this year: Water entered the gurdwara’s sanctum, sparking outrage. “How do you protect Waheguru’s home?” cried pilgrims.
Temporary shutdowns after Pahalgam added salt. Yet, numbers rebound: Over 50 lakh visits since opening.
Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif said recently, “Kartarpur is our shared heritage. We stand by it.” India echoes: “Faith first.”
What This Means for India-Pakistan Ties
In a year of drone strikes and water wars, this visa wave is a breather. It shows religion can thread the needle through tensions. Sikh leaders from both sides push for more – like 24/7 corridor access or fee waiver.
Analyst Praveen Donthi notes, “These pilgrimages build people-to-people links. Small steps, but vital.” For everyday Indians, it’s hope: Maybe one day, borders blur for all.
Call to Devotees: If you’re going, pack light, pray heavy. And share your story – it inspires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – All You Need to Know
Q1: When and where will the Guru Nanak Jayanti pilgrimage happen in Pakistan?
A: The jathas leave India around November 4, 2025, and return by November 13-15. Main spots: Nankana Sahib (Guru Nanak’s birthplace) for Prakash Purab on Nov 15, Kartarpur for darshan, and others like Panja Sahib. It’s a 10-day affair with akhand paths, kirtan, and langars. SGPC organizes everything – trains from Amritsar to Wagah, then buses inside Pakistan. About 2,100 pilgrims this time, in groups of 200-300.
Q2: How does the Kartarpur Corridor work, and what’s the latest on its extension?
A: It’s a visa-free, 4-km road from Dera Baba Nanak (India) to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Pakistan). Open daily 9 AM-4 PM, up to 5,000 visitors. Carry passport; buy $20 e-permit online at pakvisit.com. Extended till October 2029 via diplomatic nod last year – no more expiry worries. But return same day; no overnight stays. MEA pushed for no fees, but Pakistan holds firm for “maintenance.”
Q3: Why the big row over the $20 service charge at Kartarpur?
A: Pilgrims say it’s unfair – “Faith shouldn’t cost money,” especially for poor families. India has asked Pakistan 5+ times to waive it, latest in the extension talks. Pakistan claims it’s for bridge, shuttle, security costs. Sikh groups like SGPC rally against it yearly. Result? Many skip visits. Hope for change soon, but till then, it’s mandatory per trip.
Q4: How did the Pahalgam terror attack affect these pilgrimages?
A: The April 22 attack killed 26 in Kashmir’s meadows – a dark day. Blamed on cross-border militants, it led to Kartarpur’s short closure in May for safety checks. Pilgrim flow dropped 70%. Now, extra security: Indian escorts to border, Pakistan promises tight watches at sites. SGPC says, “We go with faith in Waheguru.” No bans this time, but alerts high.
Q5: What’s this about anti-India plans during the visit?
A: A Khalsa Vox report from August flagged a Lahore meet where agencies pitched banners/seminars on “Sikh woes in India.” But ETPB and PSGPC blocked it – “It’ll kill tourism and ties.” ETPB loses Rs 70 million monthly without pilgrims. So far, clean vibes. Pilgrims advised: Focus on prayers, report odd stuff to SGPC leads.
Q6: How do I join the pilgrimage if I’m a Sikh from India?
A: Contact SGPC Amritsar (sgpc.net) by early October – forms online/offline. Need: Age 21-65 (special for seniors/kids), fitness cert, no police cases. Groups only; Rs 3,000 covers travel/food. Visas group-issued. First-timers? Attend prep sessions for dos/don’ts.
Q7: Any tips for a safe, smooth trip?
A: Pack meds, light clothes (November chill), respect local rules. No politics talk. Use official transport. Track via SGPC app. And remember Guru Ji’s words: “No Hindu, no Muslim – all one.” Pray for peace.
Got more questions? Drop in comments or call SGPC helpline!