Sikh Procession Passes into Pakistan to Guru Nanak’s Birthplace for the First Time Since Partition

November 29, 2005

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4483150.stm

On November 29, 2005 BBC News reported, "Nearly 2,000 Sikhs from India have been allowed to cross over into Pakistan to complete a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The group, chanting religious hymns, entered Pakistan at the Wagah crossing point in Punjab. The pilgrims were accorded a guard of honour and welcomed by representatives of the Pakistani Sikh community. It is the first time since partition in 1947 that such a procession of Sikhs has been granted entry by Pakistan. The group is carrying with them the sacred Sikh religious book, Guru Granth Sahib, in a gold palanquin, placed in a specially constructed carriage. Devout Sikhs believe the journey is the fulfilment of a life-long prayer. The pilgrimage will culminate in a special ceremony at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, near Lahore."