In a significant move indicating a thaw in relations, Indian pilgrims have crossed the border into Pakistan to participate in festivities at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This marks the first major border opening since deadly clashes in May closed the land border between the two countries. The pilgrimage is timed to coincide with the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi had issued over 2,100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the 10-day festival. The main event is scheduled for November 5th at Gurdwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib, located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Lahore. Following the celebrations at Nankana Sahib, the pilgrims are expected to visit other significant Gurdwaras, including Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak is buried.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high following the worst fighting since 1999, which occurred in May and resulted in over 70 fatalities from missile, drone, and artillery exchanges. The Wagah-Attari border, the only active land crossing between the two countries, was subsequently closed to general traffic. Earlier in October, the Indian government had initially barred Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan for the Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Purab celebrations due to security concerns and recent tensions. However, this decision was later reversed, allowing selected groups to participate in the pilgrimage under the framework of the 1974 bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines.
On Tuesday morning, pilgrims gathered on the Indian side of the border, with some carrying their luggage as they were observed by the Indian Border Security Force. Upon entering Pakistan, the pilgrims were greeted by Pakistani officials with flowers and rose petals. Pakistan's High Commission has stated that allowing the pilgrimage is consistent with its efforts to promote "inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony and understanding".
Ghulam Mohyuddin, a spokesperson for the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which oversees minority holy places in Pakistan, stated that Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other parts of the world would be welcomed with great respect and honor. He added that stringent security measures have been implemented, involving Rangers, Police, special forces, and the ETPB's own security wing. Several Gurdwaras, including Janamasthan Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal, Sacha Sauda Farooqabad, and Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, have been decorated for the celebrations. The Indian Sikhs are scheduled to depart for their homeland on November 13 after visiting these Gurdwaras.
While the Kartarpur Corridor, which opened in 2019 to facilitate visa-free travel to the Kartarpur Sahib shrine, remains closed due to ongoing hostilities, this pilgrimage marks a significant moment of cross-border movement amidst strained relations. The resumption of these pilgrimages aligns with the longstanding 1974 agreement between India and Pakistan, which permits limited religious visits despite political tensions.
