First Sikh jatha crosses into Pakistan for Gurpurb after Operation Sindoor without NRI pilgrims

After Operation Sindoor, the first Sikh Jatha on Tuesday departed for Attari to cross into Pakistan for the celebrations of Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Gurdwara Janamsthan in Nankana Sahib.

The Gurpurb falls on November 5.

This year, the Central government has permitted only Indian citizens to be part of the Jatha. Earlier, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) were also allowed to join the pilgrimage.

Confirming the development, Palwinder Singh, in charge of the Yatra Vibhag of the SGPC, said he was unaware of the reasons behind the government’s decision.

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Over 2,000 members of the Sikh Jatha would cross the Attari border to pay obeisance at historic gurdwaras in Lahore and Nankana Sahib.

The pilgrims would return to India on November 13 after completing their spiritual journey.

The jatha also includes several first-time pilgrims who had long wished to visit gurdwara Janamsthan.

Earlier, Centre had declined to send the jatha to Pakistan, citing security concerns following a limited drone exchange between the two countries.

However, the decision was later reversed after appeals from Sikh organisations to allow at least a symbolic Jatha to uphold the long-standing tradition.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) arranged buses to transport 1,796 pilgrims from the Heritage Street near the Golden Temple to Attari, with services commencing at 8 a.m. The remaining members from other Sikh bodies will directly reach the border point.