Sikh community welcomes nod for Nankana Sahib visit 

October 5, 2025

Abhishek Vij

Given the tense relations between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, a central concern was whether Sikhs would be allowed to visit the sacred Nankana Sahib for the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on November 4th. With the Indian government’s recent authorization, many Sikhs can now travel to Nankana Sahib and other historic Gurdwaras in Pakistan in groups, marking a significant decision for the community.

Following this approval, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji holds great significance not only for the Sikh community but for all humanity. It should be remembered that due to the growing bitterness between India and Pakistan and Pakistan’s defeat in Operation Sindoor, the Kartarpur Corridor to visit Nankana Sahib was discontinued. Even when the Indian and Pakistani teams met in the Asia Cup cricket tournament in the UAE, and India ultimately won the Asia Cup, the differences between the two teams were clearly visible. The players did not shake hands. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, the Pakistani chairman of the Asian Cricket Council. Previously, the Indian government had refused to send a Sikh delegation to Pakistan in November for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The delay in opening the Kartarpur Corridor has fueled debate, especially since cricket matches between India and Pakistan are allowed, while Sikh religious pilgrimages faced obstacles. Many Sikhs felt their sentiments were disregarded by this policy difference. Now, with official approval, a group of 3,000 pilgrims will travel to Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary under safety rules set by the Ministry of External Affairs. This shift highlights the significance of granting religious access.

Operation Sindoor intensified hostilities, leading India to initially deny the Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan, risking alienation of the Sikh community. Advocates argued that if sports like cricket are permitted, religious travel should be as well. After intervention by Harmeet Singh Kalka, permission for the pilgrimage was ultimately obtained, reflecting a key breakthrough for the Sikh cause.

This outcome was reached after repeated meetings with senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs. The group of pilgrims will travel to Pakistan under certain conditions. Harmeet Singh Kalka stated that the pilgrims participating in the group will receive permission after special verification by the Union Home Ministry. The permission is granted so that the group will travel to Pakistan via the Attari border road on November 4th. After visiting various Gurudwaras, they will return to India on November 13th. This journey should serve as a lesson for humanity. What can’t be achieved if we think positively? From a harsh perspective, everything seems destructive, but by following the path of humanity, with the blessings of the sacred Guruparva, a new path can be opened. Can’t we muster the courage to create a path of mutual trust? War is bound to lead to destruction.