PTC Web Desk: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has invited Sikh pilgrims planning to visit Pakistan for the birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to submit their passports and other required documents by August 10.

Sharing the information, SGPC secretary Baldev Singh Kahlwan appealed to the Sikh community to complete the application process well before the deadline to ensure timely processing of travel documents.

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Around 1,800 pilgrims to leave from Amritsar

Kahlwan said as every year, the SGPC would organise a jatha of nearly 1,800 Sikh pilgrims from Punjab to visit the historic gurdwaras in Pakistan.

The pilgrimage will begin from Amritsar on November 22 with the Sikh jatha travelling to Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Gurpurab will be celebrated there with religious fervour on November 24.

After the main celebrations, the jatha will also visit several other historic Sikh shrines in Pakistan before returning to India.

Documents needed for registration

The SGPC has asked all devotees interested in joining the pilgrimage to submit the following documents by August 10 at the SGPC office:

Original passport

One passport-size photograph

Photocopy of a valid identity card

Kahlwan clarified that no passport applications will be accepted after August 10, as the visa process and security verification by Indian and Pakistani authorities require sufficient time.

He added that every applicant undergoes a detailed verification process to ensure that no person with a criminal background or other legal issues is included in the pilgrimage.

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Women can also travel alone

The SGPC has also clarified that women travelling alone are eligible to join the pilgrimage. However, they must submit a declaration certificate issued by a family member, village sarpanch, numberdar or any other authorised person along with their application.

10-day religious journey

According to the SGPC, the pilgrimage will continue for 10 days, during which devotees will pay obeisance at various historic Sikh shrines that remained in Pakistan after the Partition of 1947. The jatha is scheduled to return to India on December 3.

SGPC appeals to Sangat

The SGPC has urged Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat across the country to submit their documents before the deadline and take part in this sacred pilgrimage to the historic Sikh shrines in Pakistan.