Sikh Jatha to leave for Pak tomorrow

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 25

After Covid-19 lockdown, the first jatha will cross over the Attari-Wagah route to celebrate the 551th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at Janam Asthan, Sri Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.

Out of the total 1,500 pilgrims, only 960 have received visas exclusively for Nankana Sahib. They will proceed on November 27 and return on December 1. The occasion falls on November 30. The SGPC-sponsored jatha comprised 325 members. As many as 504 had applied for the visit. Similarly, out of 172 devotees who had applied through the Ferozepur-based Bhai Mardana Kirtan Darbar Society, only 154 were given visas.

Other devotees who could procure visa through organisations like Khalra Mission Committee, Nankana Sahib Committee, Delhi Committee, Sukhmani Sahib Committee, Haryana will accompany them. Meanwhile, a two-day free Covid test camp for pilgrims was conducted at the SGPC office premises today.

Amid Covid-19 threat, Pakistan has urged pilgrims to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines of Pakistan. It will be mandatory for every visitor to get Covid-19 negative report, along with other mandatory documents to gain entry to Pakistan. On March 18, both India and Pakistan had sealed their international borders. The visit to Pakistan on occasions like Baisakhi, martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were cancelled.

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