Govt allows Sikh pilgrims to visit Pak for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary

The Indian government has given permission to specific groups of Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan for upcoming celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, ANI reported citing sources. The visit will take place under the 1974 bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan, which permits religious pilgrimages to certain shrines across the border.
Only selected jathas (groups) will be allowed to travel, based on recommendations from the respective state governments. These suggestions will be reviewed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and final approval will be granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
“The state government concerned will recommend to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Acting on MEA’s inputs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will give further clearance for the visit, to jathas,” ANI quotes its source as saying.
This decision comes shortly after the Indian government had earlier barred Sikh pilgrims from attending the November 2025 Parkash Purab celebrations in Pakistan due to security concerns and strained relations between the two countries.
According to sources, pilgrims will cross into Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border and visit key religious sites such as Nankana Sahib—Guru Nanak’s birthplace—and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. The pilgrimage will be organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in partnership with Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board.
Despite political tensions, thousands of Sikh devotees continue to travel to Pakistan each year for major religious events like Prakash Purab, Baisakhi, and Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev.