Guru Nanak birth anniversary: 'Cultural programme' near Sikh shrine in Pakistan sparks row

As the Sikh jatha from India prepares to return from Pakistan after celebrating the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, a “cultural programme” purportedly held near Gurudwara Sri Dehra Sahib in Lahore on Wednesday evening has sparked debate.

Sources said the event, organised by the Pakistan government in the presence of officials from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), reportedly included Bhangra, dance, and singing.

Critics argued that hosting such a programme near the site where the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, was martyred violated the Sikh “maryada” (code of conduct) and the sanctity of the location.

Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab, Pakistan, and president of the PSGPC, said the matter was being unnecessarily sensationalised.

In an audio message, he clarified that the event was a “Sufi night” organised in honour of Sikh pilgrims and took place at Hazuri Bagh, away from the gurdwara premises.

“The site is part of the masjid complex and located opposite Shahi Qila. This place is generally utilised to hold programmes for state guests. It was not a ‘naach-gana’ event but a Sufi night performed by our artists. But some Sikhs, on their own, attempted little dance moves to the rhythm… No one from our side told them to do so,” he said.

The main event commemorating Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary was held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the first Sikh Guru, on November 7.

This jatha had faced a separate controversy earlier when around 14 pilgrims, out of nearly 1,900, were reportedly denied entry into Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border on November 4, allegedly for not belonging to the Sikh community. Pakistan had dismissed these claims as “unfounded and misleading.”

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, part of the jatha, also indicated he was unaware of the programme.