Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib
Pilgrimage to sri kartarpur sahib is a very sacred place for Sikhs around the world due to its religious and historical importance. Sikhism’s most religious place based in Kartarpur, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan is considered to be the tomb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
The gurdwara identifies the place where Guru Nanak lived during his last eighteen years and wrote down the fundamentals of the Sikh faith. The construction of the Kartarpur Corridor in November of 2019 has enabled the Indian pilgrims to access the place without a visa with the intent of encouraging religious tolerance between India and Pakistan.
Suggested Tour: Sri Kartarpur Sahib Pilgrimage Tour
Historical Significance
Founder: Kartarpur was founded by the first Sikh Master Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the year 1522. He moved here and spent his remaining years in teaching and possibly farming as well.
Resting Place: Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj was buried here as He was the promoter of universal brotherhood and compassion.
Renovations: The gurdwara has been through many changes in the course of several decades, and the latest was the grand development in the year 2019 which has further turned the gurdwara into one of the largest gurdwara in the world.
Planning Your Visit
For Indian Pilgrims (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
1. Registration Process
Online Registration: On the internet, go to the official website of the registration for Indian government Kartarpur Corridor. Enter basic information such as your name, contact information, and dates when you would like to travel.
Confirmation: When you apply for a visa, you will receive an electronic travel authorization (ETA) if granted approval. This needs to be in print and you have to bring it with you.
2. Documents Required
Valid Passport: You need to ensure that your passport has at least six months validity from the expected date of travel.
Registration Confirmation: A hard copy of your ETA (Environmental Toxicity Assessment).
Identification: It would be wise to have a secondary form of identity for instance an Aadhaar card in case the card is not recognized.
3. Travel Guidelines
Corridor Entry: The Kartarpur Corridor enables the Indian devotees to visit the shrine without applying for a visa. The 5 km long corridor will connect the Indian town of Dera Baba Nanak with Kartarpur in Pakistan.
Operational Hours: This corridor is operational during the daylight but on different hours depending on the time of the year. It is mandatory to leave the country the same day if the person is a pilgrim visiting India.
4. Service Fee
Payment: Pakistan charges an amount of USD 20 as service fee. This fee is payable at the Pakistani immigration check post upon arrival.
For International Visitors (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
1. Visa Requirements
Pakistan Visa: To enter Pakistan international travellers require a visa. It can be done through the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate.
2. Travel Arrangements
Flights: The two closest international airports are in Islamabad and Lahore. From there, one can get a road transport to Kartarpur.
Road Travel: Various cities connect with Kartarpur through private taxis, buses, and tour operators.
Preparing for Your Visit
Clothing and Attire (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
Modest Dressing: Dress decently in accordance with their religious beliefs and endowments. Both men and women should tie their heads, preferably with a scarf or a turban. It is suggested that one should wear clothes with long sleeves and trousers or long skirts.
Shoes: Shoes and all other items of footwear must be left outside the Gurdwara compound. Specific zones for stowing of shoes are present.
Essential Tips (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
Documents: It is advisable to have photocopies of all the documents and identification such as passport, registration confirmation, identification number.
Currency: It is recommended to have some local currency (Pakistani Rupees) if needed for any expenditures, although all Gurdwara amenities are free of cost.
Photography: There may be certain restrictions as to photographic equipment; however, it is strictly prohibited to take pictures inside the gurdwara or of the people.
On Arrival (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
1. Entry Point
Indian Side: Reach at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) situated at Dera Baba Nanak in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. Undergo immigration control and custom checks as required.
Pakistani Side: On the other side of the corridor there is Pakistani immigration and customs at the terminal where one needs to go through immigration and customs procedures upon entering the Pakistani territory.
2. Security Check
Thorough Checks: There are strict security measures and procedures in place throughout the process for both parties. Expect your luggage and all the other personal belongings to be searched in detail.
3. Facilities
Langar: Be a part of the free community kitchen, which is unique to Sikhism and serves food to all genders and castes.
Restrooms: The complex has hygienically and easily accessible restrooms within the compound or nearby the working area.
Medical Aid: Some of the necessities of life such as food, water and shelter are provided to the pilgrims who require them while basic health care services as well as first aid is available to those who are injured.
Inside the Gurdwara (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
1. Main Hall
Prayers: Go to the main prayer hall where devotees gather for prayers and sing the glories of the Lord through kirtan, which is done in the morning and evening. The devotees can also pray and meditate at their own instance in this peaceful atmosphere.
2. Langar Hall
Community Meal: The langar hall provides free meals to all the persons coming to the gurdwara with no discrimination of caste or colour. Goodness towards all is fundamental in the Sikh religion and this practice underscores this belief of Sikhism.
3. Museum
Exhibits: Experience the historical journey and the preaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through the museum. It has also got a museum that contains artefacts, documents, and representation of places and ideas that he passed through and supported.
4. Surroundings
Gardens: Even if it is possible to go inside the gurdwara, just take a leisurely stroll around the well-tended landscape around it. It ensures that an individual gets to interact with nature and have a quiet place where he or she can relax.
Return Journey (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
1. Timings
Same-Day Return: Pilgrims must leave back to India before the sun sets. If you plan to visit the City, make sure you are able to spare enough time to travel back.
2. Immigration Check
Exit Procedures: Go through the immigration and customs procedures if you have crossed into Pakistani territory upon returning to the India side. It is recommended that one should get to the check post before the closing time so that nobody will be closed off from your access.
Additional Information (Pilgrimage To Sri Kartarpur Sahib)
1. Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Access: The gurdwara is always functioning and is always open all the year round. However, there is a heavy footfall during festivals like Christmas or the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
2. Accommodation
Nearby Options: Despite the fact that most of the pilgrims want to spend only a day and night in the city, there are many hotel facilities in the neighbouring towns of Narowal and Gurdaspur. There are also provisions for Hotel Accommodation, Guest House Accommodation and Dharamshala Accommodation.
3. Accessibility
Wheelchair Access: The other amenities include the ramps for the disabled because the entire gurdwara complex has been built to accommodate people with disabilities.
4. Safety
Security Arrangements: Safety procedures and security have been enhanced and there is trained security to cater for the safety of all the visitors.
Conclusions
By following these extensive instructions, it becomes possible to have a rich, spiritually productive, and worry-free trip to Sri Kartarpur Sahib. Visiting the religious and historical aspect of the site is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
