Sri Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj, the revered spiritual leader of the Sikhs, is celebrated as a visionary of his time. As the founder of Sikhism, one of the world's youngest religions, his teachings continue to inspire millions. The holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, considered the eleventh and final Guru, contains 974 hymns penned by Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj. This sacred text guides the Sikh community, emphasizing the importance of devotion, equality, and compassion.
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj, observed as Prakash Gurpurab, is a joyous occasion marked by Sikhs worldwide. His birthplace, Nankana Sahib, is home to the sacred Gurdwara Janam Asthan, a revered site in Sikhism. Guru Nanak's message of divine unity, equality, and brotherhood continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual leadership and visionary thinking.
To commemorate the 555th Prakash Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj, a sea of devotees, comprising hundreds of Sikh Sangats and thousands of pilgrims from around the world, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and India, converged in Pakistan to pay their respects and perform sacred rituals.
The Sikh Sangat flocked to the revered land of the Gurus, where they propagated the Guru's teachings and message of love, compassion, and unity. The pilgrims reached the historic Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj's birth anniversary.
At Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, the sacred festivities commenced with the Panj Pyaars performing the Nagarkirtan, a traditional procession accompanied by devotional music. The revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib was carried in a decorated Palki Sahib, while thousands of devotees, including Sanghs and Sanghinis, chanted the sacred mantra 'Sat Naam Wahe Guru' in unison, walking behind the Palki Sahib. The Nagarkirtan procession wound its way through all the prominent Gurdwaras, ultimately concluding at the revered Gurdwara Janmasthan.
Every year, Canadian citizen Sardar Mohanjit Singh leads hundreds of pilgrims to Pakistan through the 'Nankana Yatra', a journey undertaken by Sikh congregations worldwide to visit their revered guru homes in Lahore, Punjab.
Upon arrival in Lahore, the Sikh Sangats pay their respects at the shrine of Hazrat Mian Mir Sarkar, seeking blessings and peace. This revered Sufi saint shared a deep bond with the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjun Devji. In 1589, Hazrat Mian Mir Sarkar laid the foundation stone of the Golden Temple (Har Mandir) in Amritsar, a sacred site of Sikh worship, at Guruji's behest.
A testament to their friendship is the story of Guru Arjun Devji's torture at the hands of Chandu. Despite being subjected to immense pain, Guruji remained steadfast, uttering the words 'Tera phana metha lage'. This remarkable tale underscores the unwavering faith and resilience of the Sikh Gurus.
Following their visit to Dargah Mian Mir, the Sikh Sangats proceed to Gurdwara Dera Sahib, the final resting place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Next, they visit Gurdwara Sri Janam Asthan Sri Ram Das Ji, located in Choona Mandi, Azam cloth market. This Gurdwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh's wife Nikain for their son, Kharak Singh. Notably, its layout bears a striking resemblance to the Golden Temple.
The Sangats then make their way to Gurdwara Ganj Shaheed Singh Sanghaniyan, situated in Loha Market. Here, they perform Matha Teki and Ardas, commemorating the site where Sikh martyrs were beheaded and others jumped into a well to preserve their honour.
On the second day, the Sangats visit Gurdwara Sacha Soda Chud Kana (Farooqabad) in Sheikhupura. This sacred site is where Baba Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj fed sadhus and fakirs with Rs. 20. The Sangats also visit other revered sites, including Gurdwara Janmasthan Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nana. Gurdwara Khet Sahib, Gurdwara Patti Sahib, Gurdwara Tambo Sahib and Gurdwara Mal ji Sahib, at each of these sites, the Sangats perform Ardas and pay their respects.
As part of their spiritual journey, Sikh Sangats also visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Mor Aymanabad for darshan. This sacred site holds great significance, as it was here that Sri Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj would often retreat for solitude and contemplation, sitting on stones and worshipping the Almighty, losing himself in devotion.
In Aymanabad, Baba Guru Nanak's encounter with Sacha Bhagat Bhai Lalu and Malik Bhagao is notable. He graciously accepted Bhai Lalu's humble offering while declining Malik Bhagao's lavish but ill-gotten food, illustrating the importance of honest earnings.
The Sangats also pay their respects at Gurdwara Bhai Lalu's Khoi and Chiki Sahib. Additionally, they visited Gurdwara Bir Sahib in Sialkot and Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, before proceeding to Kartarpur, where Sri Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj spent the final eighteen years of his life.
The Government of Punjab has made commendable arrangements for the Sikh pilgrims, providing excellent facilities for accommodation, transportation, medical care, security, and food. The pilgrims expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality and respect they received during their stay in Pakistan.