ETPB Announces Schedule for Guru Nanak Jayanti, India Denies Sikh Travel

Modi Government Denies Sikh Pilgrims Permission to Attend Guru Nanak’s 556th Birth Anniversary in Pakistan, ETPB Issues Full Schedule

LAHORE Ali Imran Chattha 

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has officially announced the schedule for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to be held from November 4 to 13, 2025, at historic gurdwaras across Pakistan. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world are expected to participate, though India has once again refused permission for its Sikh community to travel to Pakistan for the sacred occasion.

Under the Liaquat–Nehru Pact, around 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India were expected to attend this year’s celebrations. However, the Modi government denied permission, drawing sharp disappointment from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which expressed regret and appealed for a review of the decision. The wider Sikh community worldwide has also voiced sorrow, terming the move a violation of religious freedom and human rights.

According to the program, pilgrims will arrive on November 4 via the Wagah Border, proceeding to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The main ceremony will be held on November 5 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, featuring Bhog Akhand Paath Sahib and visits to nearby gurdwaras. The itinerary includes visits to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Farooqabad, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasanabdal, and a two-day stay at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal, before concluding with visits to Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Eminabad, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. Pilgrims will depart on November 13 via Wagah Border.
ETPB officials confirmed that comprehensive arrangements for security, accommodation, meals, transport, and sanitation have been finalized. Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan has directed all teams to warmly welcome pilgrims, stressing that Pakistan’s soil carries a message of peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.

Pakistani authorities strongly criticized India’s decision, calling it regrettable and against the principles of religious freedom guaranteed by the UN Charter. They reiterated that Pakistan annually hosts Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from across the globe and ensures a hospitable environment for all visitors.