sikh pilgrims

A year after the Pahalgam incident, India-Pakistan relations remain strained, with the Punjab international border largely shut. Restrictions have halted trade, suspended customary interactions, and altered the Attari retreat ceremony, despite Pakistan's global mediation role. The Kartarpur Corridor also remains closed, impacting religious travel.

Indian Railways is enhancing the Mumbai-Nanded Vande Bharat Express schedule from May 3, 2026, aiming to slash travel time and boost convenience for pilgrims. This premium train, connecting Mumbai's CSMT to the significant Sikh pilgrimage site of Hazur Sahib Nanded, will now offer even faster journeys, solidifying its status as the region's premier rail link.

Over 2,800 Indian sikh pilgrims are set to visit Pakistan for Baisakhi celebrations, exploring revered sites like Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Nankana Sahib. This annual journey, facilitated by a 1974 protocol, underscores Pakistan's dedication to fostering interreligious harmony and goodwill. Officials expressed hopes for a spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.

Around 455 sikh pilgrims were stranded at Attari after they could not board the train to Pakistan to observe the martyrdom day of fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev as railway authorities did not allow the special train to enter India on Thursday.

Sikh organizations worldwide are criticizing the Indian government's ban on sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary, citing security concerns. The SGPC expressed disappointment, emphasizing the move hurts religious sentiments. Sikh activists are urging reconsideration, pointing out that sports events proceed despite tensions, and suggesting pilgrims assume their own risk, as has been the practice for decades.

Pakistan deployed heightened security measures for the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib, welcoming sikh pilgrims amidst India's refusal to send sports teams due to security concerns. Over 60,000 devotees, including 2550 Indians, arrived under tight security, with officials emphasizing the warm reception and planned infrastructure improvements for future pilgrimages.

Over 2,300 sikh pilgrims on Saturday left for India from Pakistan by special trains after attending the 549th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev at his birthplace in Nankana Sahib in the Punjab province.

After spending the night at Attari, most sikh pilgrims finally left for Pakistan on foot via Attari land border to observe the martyrdom anniversary of fifth Sikh master Guru Arjan Dev at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.

Over 3,800 Indian sikh pilgrims and thousands of Sikh and Hindu devotees from various parts of Pakistan, especially Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and interior Sindh, arrived at the gurdwara to perform their rituals which include 'Akhand Path', 'Ashnan', 'Matha Teak' and 'Kirtan', theDawn reported.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan shared pictures of the Kartarpur complex and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, saying the revered venue is ready to welcome the Sikhs pilgrims for the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev. He also congratulated his govt for completing the construction work on time.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued around 3000 visas to sikh pilgrims from India to attend the event celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The event is set to be held in Pakistan from November 25 to December 4. During the visit, pilgrims in Pakistan will visit Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib. The issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.

A total of 115 sikh pilgrims of Haryana departed from Gurdwara Patshahi Chhevin, Kurukshetra to Amritsar on Tuesday, for joining the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) jatha (group) at Amritsar going to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Sri Nankana Sahib, and other shrines at Pakistan to celebrate the Parkash Gurpurb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev.