India and Pakistan recently signed an agreement to put the Kartarpur corridor into operation. The pact is valid initially for five years, but either party can terminate it at any time by giving a one month notice. It’s also notable that the agreement can be suspended in the event of an emergency or continuous violation of its provisions. Emphasizing religious provisions, the Pakistani side has agreed to ensure sufficient arrangements for langar and prasad distribution within the Gurdwara premises. Meanwhile, all necessary infrastructure including the highway and passenger terminal building are near completion on the Indian side in anticipation of the corridor’s timely inauguration.
The Inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor
The inauguration of the corridor is slated for 9th November 2019, and it will stay open throughout the year. The Kartarpur corridor bridges the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Narowal district, Pakistan, with the Dera Baba Nanak shrine located in the Gurdaspur district of India’s Punjab province. The crucial aspect of this agreement is the facilitation of visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims who would only require a permit to cross over to Pakistan. The construction of this corridor marks the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, which occurred on 12th November 2019.
Guru Nanak’s Influence on Sikhism
The birth of Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) is commemorated by observing Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti on the full-moon day in the month of Katak. He championed the ‘Nirguna’ form of bhakti and rejected various religious practices including sacrifices, ritualistic baths, image worship, and austerities. He also dismissed the scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims. Instead, he pioneered rules for congregational worship, or sangat, which involved collective recitation. Recognizing the importance of succession, he appointed one of his disciples, Angad, as the succeeding preceptor (guru), a practice that was repeated for nearly two centuries.
The Gurbani Hymns
The fifth preceptor, Guru Arjan, undertook the task of compiling hymns from Baba Guru Nanak along with those of his four successors and other religious poets such as Baba Farid, Ravidas (also referred to as Raidas) and Kabir, in the Adi Granth Sahib. These revered hymns, known as ‘Gurbani’, are composed in multiple languages.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kartarpur corridor validity | 5 years initially |
| Termination notice period | 1 month |
| Inauguration date | 9th November 2019 |
| Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary | 12th November 2019 |
The Kartarpur Gurudwara
The Kartarpur Gurudwara, a shrine revered by the Sikh community, is located approximately 4 km across the border. It is here that Guru Nanak Dev spent the final 18 years of his life.