Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 485th Death Anniversary Celebrated in Kartarpur

LAHORE - The 485th death anniversary, known as Joti Jot, of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. This significant event saw a large turnout of Sikh pilgrims from both Pakistan and India, highlighting the enduring legacy of one of the most revered figures in Sikhism. The celebrations were marked by a series of ceremonies, including the Bhog Akhand Path, which is a continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

On the final day of the commemoration, a notable event took place with the unveiling of a statue of Bhai Mardana, who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Muslim companion. This unveiling was conducted by Syed Ata-ul-Rahman, the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), alongside Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, the Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs. This act was celebrated as a powerful symbol of Sikh-Muslim friendship, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect among different faiths.

As part of the festivities, the “Kheti Sahib” area witnessed the planting of various vegetable seeds and fruit-bearing plants. This initiative aims to cultivate organic vegetables on three acres of land, which will be used for the Gurdwara’s langar, or community kitchen. The distribution of dates harvested from the Kartarpur plantation as Prasad to the pilgrims further enriched the spiritual experience of the attendees.

Dr. Ata-ur-Rahman, the ETPB Chairman, expressed his admiration for the Kartarpur Corridor, describing it as a precious gift to the global Sikh community. He praised the installation of Bhai Mardana’s statue as a significant step towards fostering interfaith unity. The event was graced by various government officials, including members of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal, who all contributed to the success of the celebrations.

The commemoration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s death anniversary serves as a reminder of the values of peace, tolerance, and community that he preached. It is a time for reflection on the importance of interfaith dialogue and understanding in today’s world. As we celebrate such events, it is crucial to remember that the teachings of Guru Nanak continue to inspire millions, encouraging us to embrace diversity and work towards a harmonious society.