Lahore – The 486th death anniversary (Joti Jot) of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, will be observed on September 22 at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, in Pakistan.
Despite an official invitation from Pakistan, the Indian government has refused to grant permission to Sikh pilgrims wishing to attend the religious event across the border. Due to the closure of the Wagah/Attari border and the Kartarpur Corridor, no yatrees (pilgrims) from India will be able to participate in the upcoming commemorations.
However, Sikh devotees from other parts of the world — including the United States, United Kingdom, and various European countries — are expected to attend the ceremonies in large numbers.
Read more: Symbolic Welcome Held at Wagah Border for Sikh Pilgrims on Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Commenting on the situation, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, head of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), criticized India’s decision, stating:
“Preventing Sikhs from visiting their sacred religious sites is a violation of their fundamental religious rights.”
The annual Joti Jot ceremonies at Kartarpur hold deep spiritual significance for Sikhs worldwide. The absence of Indian pilgrims this year is being seen as a setback to religious freedom and people-to-people connections between the two neighboring countries.
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