November 6, 2025
By Iqra Manzoor & Mateen Ali
NANKANA SAHIB
The sound of devotional hymns rises gently from the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, and mingles with the hum of countless footsteps and the buzz of voices. A tantalising aroma of the special feast or langar, hangs in the air as food is served to the thousands who are there. Men, women, children — some from Pakistan, but others from across the border, and even other corners of the world — come together to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
As the kirtan (recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib), echoes through the air, Guru Nanak’s words in sweet, earthy lilt of Punjabi, linger over the crowd.
“Na koi Hindu, na koi Musalmaan, ki rahavaan, ki paasavan?” (There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, so whose path shall I follow?).
Guru Nanak’s timeless message of unity and compassion is profoundly alive today, in Nankana Sahib, the sacred city of Sikhism. Faith has drawn people from across borders and beyond politics to remind humanity of its shared essence.
This year’s celebration carried even deeper meaning, marking the first major crossing of Sikh pilgrims from India into Pakistan since the deadly border clashes in May. Over the next few days, they will visit sacred sites including Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. The Kartarpur Corridor, opened in 2019 as a visa-free route for Indian Sikhs, remains closed since the May conflict.
Reportedly, more than 2,100 visas were granted for the 10-day festival marking 556 years since Guru Nanak’s birth, a move Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi described as promoting “interreligious and intercultural harmony and understanding.”
Sikhism, founded in 15th-century Punjab, teaches belief in one God and equality among all humans. While most Sikhs migrated to India during Partition, many of their holiest sites, including Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur, remain in Pakistan, making every pilgrimage a deeply spiritual and emotional experience.
An elderly couple from across the border, bask in the pleasant sunlight in Nankana Sahib – Photo courtesy Mateen Ali.
A gathering beyond borders
In Pakistan – often divided by religious and social lines – Nankana Sahib stands as a space of coexistence, where the Sikh community is celebrated with as much freedom as it can freely profess, and visitors from India are embraced not as outsiders, but as fellow seekers of peace. The celebration is not just a festival; it is a moment of spiritual solidarity, a living testament that love, equality, and reverence for the divine transcend every boundary we create.
Walking through the courtyards of the Gurdwara, one finds oneself surrounded by faces glowing with faith, an elderly man from Amritsar bowing his head in silent prayer, a young Pakistani Sikh woman adjusting her dupatta before stepping into the sanctum, children running barefoot as their laughter mingles with the sound of kirtan. Everywhere, devotion breathes, yet beyond the rituals lies something far deeper, a quiet sense of belonging.
Resting awhile. – Photo courtesy Mateen Ali.
“Faith doesn’t ask for a passport,” said one pilgrim, his eyes glistening as he gazes toward the Gurdwara.
‘Punjab is the same on both sides’
Bachittar Singh, who has come from Kapurthala district, Indian Punjab, tells Voicepk that visiting Nankana Sahib was a lifelong prayer finally answered.
“We are here from India to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab, and this is our first time in Nankana Sahib. We came to Kartarpur Sahib before, but this is the first time we came here to celebrate Gurpurab,” he says. “We applied for the pilgrimage last year but our visas were rejected. This time, our visas were approved and we are really happy to be here. Pakistanis have welcomed us warmly.”
His eyes well up as he recalls years of longing.
“Our Ardhas (daily prayers) has always included the visit to Nankana Sahib,” he says. “We have prayed daily for this moment, our prayers have been answered today.” Politics should never divide faith, he says. “Punjab, on both sides, is the same for us. Politicians should never use religion for their politics. People on both sides love each other and do not want conflict.”
Quoting Guru Nanak’s teachings, he says, “Hindu, Muslim, Christian, everyone is equal. No border or religion divides anyone. Humanity comes first. Guru Nanak’s message is one of love and unity for all.”
‘A message of love and peace’
Speaking to Voicepk, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, the Punjab Minister for Minorities’ Affairs, expresses his joy at the celebration.
“I believe around 20,000 to 25,000 people have gathered here, from India, Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, and Pakistan itself. Guru Nanak’s message of ‘Naam Japna, Kirat Karna, Wand Chakna’ is for all humanity,” he says.
Arora adds that around 2,400 visas were issued for Indian pilgrims, and about 2,000 crossed the border to join the celebrations.
“They are all special to us. We thank the Indian government and hope for leniency in reopening the Kartarpur Corridor, which has been closed since May 7,” he says. “Pakistan will always welcome our Sikh brothers and sisters with love and peace.”
He also highlights the arrangements made by the government. “The Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee has managed all operations, including accommodation and security. Under the vision of the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inclusivity and diversity is emphasized and Punjab celebrates its minorities with pride.”
Arora especially thanks the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other departments for ensuring smooth coordination, adding
“Before coming, some pilgrims might have been afraid due to political tensions. But when they return, they will remember Pakistan for its love and hospitality. That’s our true message.”
‘Sikhism unites all faiths’
A Sikh woman pilgrim from Indian Punjab, carrying a kirpan juxtaposed with a radiant smile, expresses her gratitude.
“Sikhism unites people of all faiths — Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Muslims. It doesn’t divide anyone. There is just one rule in Sikhism: to love everyone and spread happiness,” she says.
“No matter who is rich or poor, tall or short, everyone is equal in the Guru’s eyes,” she says. “We never thought we would visit Guru Nanak’s Janam Asthan, but today we have been blessed.” She adds that politics should not restrict faith.
“Both countries should be friends forever. We should not be stopped from practicing our religion. Every Sikh’s Ardhas includes a prayer to visit Nankana Sahib — it is a sacred dream for us.”
‘Borders are just a playground for governments’
Paramjit Singh from Gurdaspur, Pathankot, shares his lifelong desire to visit Sikhism’s most sacred shrines.
“It feels like family here. Borders are just a playground for governments,” he says with a wistful smile. “My grandson asks me — if people on both sides are the same, then why do we have borders? Children don’t understand what a border is; they only repeat what they hear on TV.”
Paramjit reveals that he had held a passport since 1969 and had always prayed to visit Janam Asthan, Kartarpur Sahib, and Panja Sahib.
“It took decades, but today my wish has come true. We have been given so much respect in Pakistan — perhaps even more than we might get in India.”
Quoting Guru Nanak’s teachings, he says, “Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Wand Chhako — remember God, earn honestly, and share with others. That is our path.”
A message beyond faith
The acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Gyaani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, while speaking to Voicepk, reflected on the spiritual and emotional significance of the day.
“Guru Nanak Sahib’s Parkash Purab is being celebrated all around the world, but Nankana Sahib holds a special place in every Sikh’s heart, it is where Guru Nanak Sahib was born,” he said. “No matter where we live, our ardas (prayer) always includes the name of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. We all pray for the chance to visit and serve (sewa) at its Gurdwaras. Whenever a Khalsa is blessed with the opportunity to visit this sacred place, he considers himself truly fortunate.”
Describing the rituals that mark Gurpurab, Gargaj explained that the day is filled with Gurbani Paath (recitation of holy verses) and Kirtan (singing of sacred hymns).
“Kirtan is the Guru’s word, sung in ragas (musical scales), its purpose is to bring anand (peace, bliss) to the soul,” he shared. “The katha (spiritual discourse) includes Sikh history, philosophy, and stories of our heroes — our yodhas — like Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa.”
Drawing parallels between faiths, Gargaj highlighted the shared essence of divine unity:
“We also believe in one God, whether one says Allah, Ram, or Waheguru, it is the same Creator,” he said, reciting a verse from Gurbani:
Koi bole Ram Ram, koi Khudaaye,
Koi sevai Gusaiyan, koi Allahe.
Kaaran Karan Karan Kareem,
Kirpa Dhaar Dhaar Raheem.
“Our Gurdwaras welcome everyone, people of all castes, religions, and backgrounds. Guru Nanak Badshah taught us to spread love,” Gargaj continued. “Our kirpan (ceremonial sword) symbolizes freedom, the right to protect oneself and to stand for anyone poor, vulnerable, or exploited. It is our religious right, our identity, just like our dastar (turban).”
A Gursikh pilgrim speaks about the essence of the Kirtan.
A Sikh yatree looks deep into the camera as he listens to the recitation of the hymns in the background. – Photo courtesy Mateen Ali.
“Kirtan is meant to satisfy one’s soul. And here, langar is served to everyone, no matter what religion they belong to,” he says.
Sikhs are not the only ones to come for the birth anniversary. Dr Suresh Talreja Mukhi, Chairman of the Upper Sindh Hindu community has also come and emphasizes that Guru Nanak’s teachings transcends religious identities.
“I am a Hindu, but many Hindus and even Muslims are followers of Guru Nanak’s teachings,” he says. “Guru Nanak’s message is of love for all humanity, regardless of caste or religion, that is why he is celebrated by everyone.”
Speaking about the sacred Sarowar (holy pond), Dr. Suresh adds, “The Sarowar holds the same significance as the Ganga in Hinduism – it purifies one’s soul. Like me, many Hindu families from Sindh have come here to celebrate Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary.”
He urges that politics should never obstruct religious freedom.
“Conflicts may exist between countries, but they should not stop people from practicing their faith. Borders and politics should never become a hurdle for religions, people love each other and want to celebrate together without boundaries.”
Dr. Suresh also tells about the significance of the Palki Sahib, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried through the city.
“Guru Granth Sahib is the last living Guru in Sikhism,” he says. “When the Palki moves through the streets, people pay homage, it symbolizes that the Guru’s blessings are reaching everyone. As a Hindu from Sindh, we celebrate Guru Nanak and Guru Granth Sahib with deep devotion. Guru Gobind Singh also fought for Hindus during Mughal times.
We see Guru Nanak as an avatar — a divine guide sent to spread love and light.”
A portrait of coexistence
Beyond the prayers and celebrations, Nankana Sahib stands as a portrait of coexistence — a sacred space where Pakistan’s Sikh community is not merely acknowledged but embraced. The presence of government officials, local organizers, and interfaith visitors reflected a conscious effort to protect and honour minority heritage.
In the movement and rhythm of the kirtan, the shared langar, and the collective humility of thousands, Guru Nanak’s philosophy feels alive — that all humans, regardless of faith or border, are bound by one divine thread.
For the Sikh yatris, Nankana Sahib is not just a destination but a deeply emotional journey of faith that defies borders. Amid lingering tensions between India and Pakistan, their prayers carry a hope for friendship, understanding, and the freedom to visit sacred sites. Authorities have expressed optimism that this gathering could inspire goodwill and, eventually, lead to the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor.
In the quiet devotion of thousands, Guru Nanak’s timeless message endures: love, unity, and coexistence transcend every divide.