Jatha leaves for Pak to celebrate Guru’s 551st birth anniversary

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, November 27

Since Covid-19 restrictions came into force in March this year, a first jatha crossed over the Attari-Wagah land route to celebrate the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.

Of 1,500 pilgrims, only 960 could get five-day visa, exclusively for Nankana Sahib. The occasion falls on November 30. The pilgrims would return on December 1.

The SGPC-sponsored jatha comprising 325 members was flagged off by former SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal from the Golden Temple premises. As many as 504 pilgrims had applied for Pakistan visa.

Similarly, of the 172 devotees who had applied through 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, crossed the border separately.

Amid the pandemic, it was mandatory for every visitor to get a Covid-19 negative report, along with other requisite documents to gain entry to Pakistan. The SGPC had conducted a two-day free testing camp for the devotees going under its umbrella.