Recently, a landmark decision was taken by Pakistan to provide visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to the revered Gurdwara of Kartarpur Sahib for an entire year. This open access applies to both Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders, seven days a week.
The Agreement and India’s Proposals
India put forth a proposal suggesting that the holy shrine should welcome citizens of all faiths. Pakistan agreed to this request ‘in-principle’, opening its doors to anyone with an Indian passport and OCI card-holders. In addition, India also requested Pakistan to prevent misuse of this historic initiative by supporters of Khalistan.
India further reiterated its appeal for Pakistan to allow ‘Nagar Kirtan’ – a harmonious procession singing holy hymns – from Delhi to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, in the months of July and from October to November 2019. This would coincide with the celebrations to mark the 550th birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru.
About Guru Nanak Dev and His Jayanti
The full-moon day in the month of Katak is the time when Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is observed. This day celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539), the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
About The Kartarpur Corridor
The Kartarpur corridor will be developed as a comprehensive project, funded by the Government of India. Implementation of this corridor is timed to coincide with the 550th Prakash Purab, or the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in 2019.
Overview of Nagar Kirtan
The term ‘Nagar Kirtan’ is a Punjabi phrase, translating to ‘Neighbourhood Kirtan’. The principle behind Nagar Kirtan is to share the word of God with the community, bringing holy messages to their doorsteps. This tradition commonly takes place during the month of Vaisakhi (April-May) and is observed globally.
Facts at a Glance
| Pakistan’s Decision | India’s Proposal | Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th Birth Anniversary |
|---|---|---|
| Year-long visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara | Request to open holy shrine to all faiths | Marked by observing Nagar Kirtan from Delhi to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan |
| Applies to both Indian passport holders and OCI card holders | Demand for prevention of misuse by Khalistan supporters | Corridors’ implementation funded by Government of India |
The Khalistan Movement
The Khalistan movement is a Khalsa nationalist initiative that aims to establish an independent state for Sikh people within the current north-western area of India. In order to prevent the misuse of this historic initiative, India has requested Pakistan to restrain supporters of Khalistan from exploiting this opportunity.
