DSGMC hails Centre’s nod for Sikh jatha to visit Sri Nankana Sahib

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka has welcomed Centre’s decision to permit a Sikh jatha to travel to Sri Nankana Sahib in Pakistan for the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Kalka said the move follows an earlier notification that had restricted the annual pilgrimage. “The DSGMC had made efforts and engaged with the Central Government. We had also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging a reconsideration of this crucial issue, and met him personally to explain the aspirations and religious sentiments attached to the birth anniversary of the first Guru, who is revered not only by Sikhs but also by Hindus and Muslims,” he said.

Kalka noted the earlier restrictions had hurt religious sentiments. “If cricket matches can be organised between India and Pakistan, then ensuring security arrangements for religious yatras should not be seen as a major challenge,” he remarked.

He added following DSGMC’s appeal the Ministry of External Affairs has approved the annual yatra, allowing around 3,000 devotees to participate in the pilgrimage to Sri Nankana Sahib each year, as was the practice in the past.

Kalka urged intending pilgrims to complete their travel formalities in time to ensure their participation in the journey is not hindered.