by Maryam Noureen Janjua
This year, as the Sikh world celebrated the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, I embarked on a deeply spiritual journey that took me through some of the most significant Sikh pilgrimage sites in Pakistan. From the birthplace of Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib to the peaceful sanctity of Kartarpur, the reverence in Hassan Abdal, and the cultural vibrance of Lahore, each destination left a lasting impression. What made this journey even more profound was the opportunity to meet Sikh yatris (pilgrims) from around the world, who had traveled far and wide to pay homage to their spiritual leader.
My journey began in Nankana Sahib, a town in the Punjab province of Pakistan, and the birthplace of Guru Nanak. As I approached the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the air was filled with an unmistakable sense of spirituality and reverence. The Gurdwara itself is a stunning piece of architecture, with its gleaming white marble exterior and its golden dome reflecting the sunlight. The complex is beautifully maintained and houses the shrine marking the place where Guru Nanak was born in 1469. Upon entering the Gurdwara, I was greeted with the soft hum of kirtan (devotional singing), which created an atmosphere of peace and calm.
Pilgrims from across the world had gathered here to celebrate the birth of their beloved Guru. The diverse mix of people—from Sikh men and women to families with young children—demonstrated the universal appeal of Guru Nanak’s message of equality, love, and devotion. I took a moment to reflect at the sacred shrine, thinking about the profound teachings of Guru Nanak. His message of oneness with the divine, humility, and compassion for all beings transcends borders, cultures, and religions. The presence of so many international pilgrims was a testament to the unifying power of his teachings. It was especially heartwarming to see groups of women actively participating in the prayers and rituals, a reminder of the inclusive and egalitarian principles that Sikhism advocates.
From Nankana Sahib, I traveled to Kartarpur, another sacred site that holds immense significance in Sikhism. Kartarpur is the place where Guru Nanak spent the final years of his life and established the first Sikh community. The Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, located on the banks of the Ravi River, is a serene and tranquil place, known for its lush green gardens and the majestic building that houses the Guru’s final resting place. The atmosphere in Kartarpur is one of peace, harmony, and reflection. Here, the teachings of Guru Nanak are brought to life through the langar (community kitchen) that serves free meals to all visitors, irrespective of their background or faith.
A significant aspect of my visit to Kartarpur was the opportunity to meet pilgrims who had traveled from various countries, including India, Canada, the UK, and the United States. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019, which allows Indian Sikhs to visit this holy site without a visa, has made the Gurdwara more accessible to millions of devotees. I had the privilege of speaking to several Sikh yatris who spoke passionately about the impact Guru Nanak’s teachings had on their lives, and how visiting Kartarpur was a deeply emotional experience for them. Many pilgrims shared stories of how Guru Nanak’s message of equality, service to humanity, and devotion to the one God had inspired them to live better, more purposeful lives.
My journey ended in Lahore, a city steeped in history and culture. On the evening of my visit, I had the privilege of attending a Qawwali night at the Lahore Fort, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Mughal Empire. The music, rich in mysticism and devotion, filled the air as the renowned qawwals performed soulful renditions of Sufi poetry that transcended religious boundaries. The atmosphere was electric, and I couldn’t help but think of how Guru Nanak’s teachings of peace, tolerance, and universal love resonate with the messages of Sufi mystics.
Throughout my travels, one of the most striking aspects was the inclusivity of Sikhism. The sight of women participating in every aspect of the religious and cultural life was both inspiring and heartwarming. Sikhism’s commitment to gender equality is one of its defining features, and it was evident in the way women were actively involved in prayers, rituals, and community service at every Gurdwara I visited. This inclusivity is a testament to Guru Nanak’s revolutionary vision of a world where all people, regardless of their gender, caste, or background, are equal in the eyes of the divine.
As I reflected on my journey, I realized that this pilgrimage was not just a celebration of Guru Nanak’s life and teachings but also a celebration of the enduring power of his message—a message of equality, love, and service to humanity. It was a journey that reminded me of the importance of community, of sharing in the divine light that shines in all of us, and of the need for compassion and understanding in our fractured world.