Kartarpur Corridor: 20 months later, the first convoy of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan
The first convoy of Sikh pilgrims from India has reached Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan after the opening of Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan. The caravan includes 50 pilgrims.
A video was tweeted by the Pakistan High Commission in India welcoming Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan.
The pilgrims arrived on the occasion of the 552nd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion. Baba Guru Nanak's birthday will be celebrated on November 19.Indian Sikh pilgrims warmly welcomed by Pakistan on their arrival through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, today. We look forward to hosting devotees from India and around the world in Pakistan for Birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak. pic.twitter.com/gorna00NFu
— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) November 17, 2021
Earlier, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah had said on Tuesday that his government's decision to open the Kartarpur corridor would benefit a large number of Sikh pilgrims.
However, the Indian government has said that pilgrims must abide by all rules and regulations to prevent the spread of the corona virus.
On Thursday, another convoy of pilgrims will reach Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, which will include Indian Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channy and several members of the cabinet.
The Kartarpur road has been reopened after 20 months due to an outbreak of the corona virus.
This is a 4.7 km long road through which Sikh pilgrims can come to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib from Dera Baba Nanak in Gardaspur area of India without any visa.
It is to be noted that one day permit is issued to those who come to Pakistan through this corridor and only the entry and exit stamps of Pakistan are affixed on the passports of the pilgrims.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is very important religiously for Sikhs and many other communities of Punjab. This is where Baba Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.
Two years ago, an agreement was reached between India and Pakistan under which Pakistan allowed Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan without a visa.
many pilgrims say they applied for a permit before the corridor opened.
Amir Singh of Pakistan Gurdwara Committee said, “Our prayers and yours have been fulfilled. We warmly welcome you, our hearts and doors are open to you. "