Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and across the world have converged in Nankana Sahib to celebrate the 552nd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
The birth celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak, which started on November 17 in his birthplace, will continue till 26 of this month. The 10-day celebration began with a ritual called ‘Akhand Path, a reciting of some 1,430 pages of Granth Sahib – the holy book of Sikhism. However, the main ceremony of the celebration will be held at Gurdwara Janamasthan today.
Pakistan has made special measures for the Sikh community in connection with Baba Guru Nanak’s birthday. Various departments have already completed necessary arrangements, including security, accommodation, food, healthcare and transport, to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Ijaz Ahmed Shah, and many Sikh leaders are also participating in the main event of the celebrations today.
Welcoming the pilgrims in Nankana Sahib, Qadri said, “The government of Pakistan has tried to provide best possible services to the Sikh pilgrims.”
“Baba Guru Nanak gave the message of peace and brotherhood to the world. It is necessary to remove distances,” he added.
LIVE #APPNews : Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor ul Haq addressing ceremony of 552nd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib #GuruNanakJayanti #KartarpurCorridor https://t.co/pontsSk3HR
— APP (@appcsocialmedia) November 19, 2021
The minister said that the government’s project, Baba Guru Nanak University, would also promote interfaith harmony.
“Pakistan respects all religions. Here, all minorities are completely safe. Believers of all religions in the country have full religious freedom,” claimed Qadri.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday also felicitated Sikh pilgrims on the birth anniversary of Sikhism founder.
Pakistan and India have facilitated the Sikh community on the occasion of Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, despite political tensions. Some 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India entered Pakistan through the Wagha border on Wednesday to take part in the celebrations.
