Islamabad( The COW News Digital)The three-day celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak’s 486th death anniversary began today at the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Thousands of devotees and visitors from across the country gathered at the shrine to pay their respects to the founder of Sikhism, whose teachings of peace, tolerance, and equality continue to inspire millions worldwide.
According to the organizers, the shrine has been opened to the general public, allowing devotees to take part in prayers, kirtan, and langar. The commemorative events include recitations from Guru Granth Sahib, devotional hymns, and community services to honor Baba Guru Nanak’s legacy of selfless service and unity. The three-day celebrations will conclude on September 22 with a special ceremony, where Sikh religious leaders will deliver sermons focusing on Guru Nanak’s message of universal brotherhood and compassion.
Head Granthi Sardar Gobind Singh, while speaking to the media, expressed regret over India’s decision not to allow Sikh pilgrims to travel to Kartarpur for the anniversary celebrations. “It is unfortunate that devotees from across the border were unable to join us this year,” he said. “Baba Guru Nanak’s message transcends borders and is a call for harmony between communities. We hope that in the future, such restrictions are eased, allowing Sikhs from India and other countries to participate freely.”
The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in 2019, has been a vital passage for Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the shrine without a visa. However, cross-border tensions have occasionally disrupted the smooth flow of pilgrims. Despite these challenges, Pakistani authorities have assured that they are fully committed to facilitating Sikh yatrees whenever possible and maintaining the sanctity of the site.
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual teachers of South Asia. His teachings laid the foundation of Sikhism, emphasizing devotion to God, honest living, equality, and service to humanity. The Kartarpur Gurdwara holds a special place in Sikh history, as it is believed to be the place where Guru Nanak spent the last years of his life.
The anniversary celebrations serve as a reminder of Guru Nanak’s timeless message, calling for peace, tolerance, and coexistence at a time when the world faces increasing religious and political divisions.
