Why In News : The Government of India, through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has directed State governments not to process applications for Sikh pilgrims’ visits to Nankana Sahib (Pakistan) for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2025.
  • The decision is attributed to the prevailing security situation with Pakistan.
  • This has triggered strong reactions from political leaders, Sikh bodies, and religious organizations, who have demanded a reversal of the decision.
  • Jatha (pilgrimage) usually visits four times annually to Pakistan forst in April near Vasakhi, then in June in reference to Guru Arjan dev and Mahraja ranjit singh (death anniversary ) and lastly in November at birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

KEY FACTS

Aspect Details
Site in Question Nankana Sahib, Pakistan (Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev)
Occasion Parkash Gurpurab (Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev)
Govt Decision No Jatha (group of pilgrims) allowed to Pakistan this year
Responsible Ministry Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Legal Reference Nehru–Liaquat Pact (1950) – Allows religious visits across borders
Key Sikh Body Involved Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)

BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

  • A sacred site for Sikhs worldwide.
  • Located in Pakistan's Punjab province.
  • Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism.

Cross-border Religious Visits:

  • Governed under the Nehru–Liaquat Pact, 1950, and subsequent bilateral protocols.
  • Allows Sikh and Hindu pilgrims to visit shrines in Pakistan and vice versa (e.g., Kartarpur Corridor).
BAN ON NANKANA SAHIB PILGRIMAGE explained for UPSC
Stakeholder Viewpoint
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Criticized the move as anti-people and anti-Punjab; questioned whether the issue is with Pakistan or with Indians.
Congress Leader Pargat Singh Called out the double standards — trade, films, and cricket are allowed, but religious travel is stopped.
SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal Invoked the 1950 Pact and historical precedence; demanded travel be allowed “at pilgrims’ own risk.”
SGPC (Sikh Religious Body) Called the decision “unfortunate” and urged a review.
Public Sentiment Many Sikh groups see the move as a violation of religious freedom and heritage access.

ISSUES INVOLVED

1. Religious Freedom vs National Security:

  • Balancing the right to religious pilgrimage with concerns over cross-border tensions and safety of citizens.

2. Policy Consistency:

  • Critics point to ongoing cricket diplomacy and trade with Pakistan as contradictions.

3. Federal Concerns:

  • States (especially Punjab) feel excluded from key decisions affecting their religious communities.

4. Diplomatic Relations:

  • Despite tensions, India and Pakistan have historically allowed pilgrimages under set agreements.

STRATEGIC & DIPLOMATIC SIGNIFICANCE

  • Serves as a confidence-building measure (CBM) between India and Pakistan.
  • Encourages people-to-people contact and religious tourism.
  • Promotes cultural diplomacy, even amidst strained bilateral relations.
  • Viewed as a symbol of peace and communal harmony.