Islamabad: The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has granted over 3,000 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the upcoming Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations in Pakistan, scheduled from November 14-23.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the High Commission announced the issuance of visas, allowing Indian devotees to visit sacred Sikh sites, including Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, and Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Saad Ahmad Warraich, Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires in India, extended warm wishes to the pilgrims, expressing hope for a spiritually fulfilling journey.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Parkash Utsav, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of its ten gurus. Observed on the full moon of the Kartik month (Kartik Purnima), this sacred festival celebrates Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, tolerance, and peace.

Pilgrims participating in the festivities will engage in prayers, hymn recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, and partake in the community meal, langar, a key aspect of Sikh tradition symbolizing equality and service.

Nankana Sahib, where Guru Nanak was born in 1469, remains one of the most revered sites for Sikhs worldwide, drawing devotees annually for this auspicious occasion. The celebration fosters cross-border cultural and religious connections despite political challenges.