Indian Sikhs begin to arrive in Pakistan ahead of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary

Sikh Pilgrims cross over to Pakistan, at the India-Pakistan Wagah Border Post about 35 kms from Amritsar on October 31, 2019, to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, at the Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. (AFP)

• About 1,200 Sikhs arrived in Lahore on Thursday and were welcomed by the Punjab governor at the Wagah border
• Leader of the incoming delegation praised PM Khan for providing easy access to one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism

LAHORE: A group of Sikh devotees, who started their journey from New Delhi, crossed the Wagah border on Thursday to participate in the celebrations of Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary in November.
“About 1,200 Sikhs have reached Pakistan as part of the Nagar Kirtan [a religious procession]. They are carrying a golden palki [palanquin] that will be taken to Gurdwara Nankana Sahib where it will be installed,” Sardar Satwant Singh, president of the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Pakistan (SGPCP), told Arab News.
Nagar Kirtan is a religious custom involving the processional singing of holy hymns. It is led by five saffron-robed faithfuls who are followed by Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest book in the Sikh faith.
The Kirtan was received by the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, and a delegation of local Sikh community at the border.
Governor Sarwar said while welcoming the devotees that his country was committed to opening the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9 “despite the negatives tactics of India.” He added that Pakistan was going to provide every possible facility to members of religious minorities.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the corridor on November 9 despite the negative tactics of India. 100,000 Sikh from India and other parts of the world will participate in the 550th birthday celebrations of Guru Nanak,” he said.
Leader of the Nagar Kirtan Paramjit Singh thanked the Pakistani authorities for facilitating the Sikh community and making it possible for them to perform their religious rituals.
“We praise the steps taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan that have ensured that members of the Sikh community can visit one of the holiest shrines in their faith. The Kartarpur Corridor is a lasting gift to the Sikhs of India,” Sardar Paramjit Singh told Arab News.