Sikh pilgrims leave for Pakistan to attend Guru Nanak's death anniversary

Amritsar, Sep. 21 (ANI): Around 500 Sikh devotees from Amritsar left for Pakistan to attend the death anniversary of founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, on Monday.

The "jatha", under the aegis of Sikh apex body Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), would be visiting Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib situated in Narowal district of Pakistan.

The devotees urged the governments of both the nations to abolish the visas for the pilgrimages.

"Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee would ask them to make arrangements for the stay of pilgrims. We will discuss all the problems with them but our main motive is to demand soft stand on the law so that it becomes easier for the pilgrims who want to visit shrines there," said Amrik Singh, leader of SGPC.

"If the visa rules of the government become a bit soft then we would like to go there more often," said Gurdeep Singh, a Sikh devotee.

The 'jatha' would also visit various others historical Sikh shrines including Punja Sahib, Dera Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Sacha Saudah Sahib and Rohri Sahib during their 10 days stay in Pakistan.

Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in then undivided Punjab. Troubled by frequent conflicts between Hindu and Muslim communities, he tried to work out a synthesis of the two religions.

His mission gained popularity among the masses and eventually evolved into the Sikh religion.

After his death in 1539, he was succeeded by his disciples who became Gurus or teachers in their turn.

The tenth and last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, converted the Sikhs into a warrior community to take on the then Muslim rulers of the country. (ANI)