Amritsar, November 4 — The first Sikh Jatha crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday through the Attari border to celebrate the Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Gurdwara Janamsthan in Nankana Sahib — the first such pilgrimage since Operation Sindoor.
Unlike previous years, the Central government has allowed only Indian citizens to join the religious delegation, barring Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from participating in the cross-border pilgrimage.
Palwinder Singh, who oversees the Yatra Vibhag of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), confirmed the development but said he was unaware of the government’s reasons. “We received the communication that only Indian nationals would be permitted this time, but no clarification was shared,” he noted.
The jatha, comprising over 2,000 devotees, will visit historic Sikh shrines in Lahore and Nankana Sahib before returning to India on November 13. This year’s group also includes many first-time pilgrims fulfilling their lifelong wish to pay obeisance at Guru Nanak’s birthplace.
Initially, the Centre had declined to permit the jatha’s travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns following a limited drone exchange between the two nations. However, after appeals from Sikh organisations, the decision was partially reversed to allow a symbolic group to proceed and maintain the long-standing religious tradition.
The SGPC arranged transportation for 1,796 pilgrims, who departed from Amritsar’s Heritage Street near the Golden Temple early Tuesday morning. Buses carried the devotees to Attari, where the jatha assembled before crossing the border. Additional pilgrims from other Sikh organisations joined directly at the border post.
The Gurpurb, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, will be observed on November 5. Pilgrims are expected to participate in prayers, kirtan, and community services at several gurdwaras, including Nankana Sahib, before concluding their week-long spiritual journey.
