550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev-jii is going to be celebrated this month
In a landmark decision, the Cabinet on November 22, 2018, approved the building and development of the Kartarpur corridor from Gurdaspur district’s Dera Baba Nanak to the International Border (IB) with Pakistan. The corridor will facilitate pilgrims from Bharat to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in Narowal District of Punjab, Pakistan.
The project with all modern amenities and facilities will be implemented with the central government funding, announced Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to pilgrims to visit the holy shrine throughout the year. “The Pakistan government will be urged to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory,” said Rajnath Singh.
The project with all modern amenities and facilities will be implemented with the central government funding, announced Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to pilgrims to visit the holy shrine throughout the year. “The Pakistan government will be urged to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory,” said Rajnath Singh.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is a gurdwara in Kartarpur, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan, 120 km from Lahore. It is built on the historic site where Guru Nanak settled and assembled a Sikh community after his missionary travels. The present gurdwara is built on the site where Guru Nanak died, on 22 September 1539
Highlighting on the key points for the development on the issue, Singh said that a High-Level Committee chaired by him will regularly review, monitor and oversee the implementation of activities to celebrate the anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Taking through Twitter, Singh said, “The States/UTs also being requested to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in a befitting manner. Indian missions overseas to organize special events on the occasion. UNESCO to be requested to publish Shri Guru Nanak Devji’s writings in world languages. Ministry of Railways will run a train passing through holy places associated with Shri Guru Nanak Devji.”
Taking through Twitter, Singh said, “The States/UTs also being requested to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in a befitting manner. Indian missions overseas to organize special events on the occasion. UNESCO to be requested to publish Shri Guru Nanak Devji’s writings in world languages. Ministry of Railways will run a train passing through holy places associated with Shri Guru Nanak Devji.”
The gurdwara is also notable for its location near the border between Pakistan and India. The shrine is visible from the Indian side of the border as Pakistani authorities generally trim the tall Elephant grass that would otherwise obstruct the view. Indian Sikhs gather in large numbers on bluffs to perform darshan, or sacred viewing of the site, from the Indian side of the border
“Commemorative coin and postage stamps to be released by the Government of India. Religious activities to be organised throughout the country. Doordarshan to telecast programmes on Shri Guru Nanak Devji and Gurubani,” Singh said further.
Commenting on the decision, Union Minister of Food Processing, Harsimrat Kaur Badal tweeted, “We used to pray for “Khule Darshan Deedar” of those Gurdhaam which have been separated from us. Today, the Cabinet of Indian Govt has given green signal to the opening of #Kartarpurcorridor . Every Sikh in India is awaiting for similar gesture now from Pakistan.”
