AI Generated Summary
- In a significant development for Sikh pilgrims, a jatha (pilgrim group) was formally flagged off on Wednesday from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) headquarters here, bound for historic gurdwaras in Pakistan to commemorate the Shahidi Gurpurab — the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
- Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj highlighted the occasion’s importance, stating that it is essential for the entire Khalsa Panth to assemble annually at the site of the Guru’s martyrdom to offer homage through Gurmat programmes and devotional gatherings.
- The Jathedar expressed gratitude to the governments of India and Pakistan for enabling the visit, allowing devotees to pay obeisance at sacred Sikh sites after a long pause.
In a significant development for Sikh pilgrims, a jatha (pilgrim group) was formally flagged off on Wednesday from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) headquarters here, bound for historic gurdwaras in Pakistan to commemorate the Shahidi Gurpurab — the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
This marks the first such pilgrimage in 14 years. The group will participate in religious congregations in Lahore, where the fifth Sikh Guru attained martyrdom. Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj highlighted the occasion’s importance, stating that it is essential for the entire Khalsa Panth to assemble annually at the site of the Guru’s martyrdom to offer homage through Gurmat programmes and devotional gatherings.
The Jathedar expressed gratitude to the governments of India and Pakistan for enabling the visit, allowing devotees to pay obeisance at sacred Sikh sites after a long pause.
Under a 1974 bilateral agreement between the two nations, four Sikh jathas are permitted to travel to Pakistan each year for pilgrimages. However, the last jatha to visit specifically for Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Shahidi Gurpurab had done so in June 2013.
As the pilgrims departed, chants of “Waheguru” filled the air, accompanied by the recitation of Gurbani. The jatha proceeded towards the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post to cross into Pakistan. In a special gesture for the holy occasion, the Union government opened the international border, which has otherwise remained closed since Operation Sindoor.
The pilgrimage is expected to strengthen religious and cultural ties, allowing Sikhs to reconnect with their historical roots across the border. Devotees and community leaders expressed hope that such initiatives will continue uninterrupted in the future, fostering peace and harmony between the two neighbouring countries.
The jatha’s visit is being closely followed by the Sikh community worldwide, with many viewing it as a spiritual homecoming after years of restrictions.
