Grand celebrations in Kartarpur as Sikh pilgrims mark Guru Nanak's 485th death anniversary

Celebrations marking the 485th death anniversary of Sikh spiritual leader Guru Nanak have commenced at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, the United States, Canada, and Europe, have travelled to participate in the ceremonies.

The event began with the recitation of the Arambh Sri Akhand Path Sahib, with more ceremonies planned, including the Nishan Sahib service and an Ardas (prayer) later in the day.

On 21st September, the festivities will culminate in a Nagar Kirtan procession, where the statue of Guru Nanak's first Muslim disciple, Bhai Mardana, will be unveiled. The bronze statue, crafted by Lahore's Faqir Khana Museum, will be installed at the site.

According to Deputy Secretary Saifullah Khokhar from the Kartarpur Project Management Unit, approximately 500 Sikh pilgrims from countries like the US, Canada, and Australia have arrived for the celebrations, while an estimated 1,500 devotees from India are expected to cross the Kartarpur Corridor.

Bhai Mardana’s statue will be placed in Bhai Ajita Ji Bazaar, a central area near Gurdwara Sahib. As part of the religious offerings, devotees will also receive prasad from the garden planted by Guru Nanak, including dates and other fruits.

Among the notable figures attending the event is Sardar Ramesh Singh, head of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, along with other committee members.

Security measures and accommodations, including langar (communal meals), have been arranged for the pilgrims.

This year, however, Sikh pilgrims from India were unable to travel via the Wagah border for the anniversary.

There have been longstanding calls from Sikh communities in both Pakistan and India to include the anniversary of the 1974 religious pilgrimage agreement between the two countries, but this request remains unfulfilled.

Guru Nanak spent the last 17 years of his life in Kartarpur before his death in 1539. After his passing, a dispute arose between his Muslim and Hindu followers over whether to cremate or bury his body.

Sikh tradition states that his remains miraculously disappeared, leaving behind a sheet and two flowers. His Muslim devotees built a grave, while his Hindu followers established a samadhi. The site later saw the construction of the Gurdwara during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.