Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur
Pakistan has opened Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, known as the Kartarpur corridor, with specific timing and requirements, after huge development. To visit this sacred and holy place, foreign Sikh pilgrims should have some legal documentation.
Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is a sacred place for Sikhs who lived not only in India but all over the world. This holy land is located in the Narowal district, Punjab, province of Pakistan.
Babaji Maharaj Guru Nanak Sarkar spent 18 years of his blessed life in Kartarpur. And cultivated here on an area of one hundred and four acres, all the fields on this area produce grains, rice, vegetables which are still used in the anchor like the life of Babaji Maharaj Guru Nanak Sahib even after five centuries. And visitors eat.
Pakistan is promoting tourism not only in ancient, historical, cultural, places it has but also in sacred, holy, and spiritual places as well. Pakistan has a wide potential for the same.
Letter of Navjot Singh Sidhu
Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sadhu had made suggestions regarding Kartarpur Corridor in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Indian cricketer said that this is the holiest land for Sikhs and the sanctity of Kartarpur should be taken care of during development projects.
The letter said that traditional bazaars should be set up along the corridor so that visitors could take necessities. According to the letter, local fruits and vegetables should be grown on this sacred land to be used as an anchor for the pilgrims.
The letter said that paved roads should be avoided in the corridor so that one has the privilege of stepping on the sacred soil while walking.
According to the text of the letter, the bazaar and other facilities built for the visitors should be environmentally friendly.
The letter said that special arrangements should be made for cleaning and proper arrangements should be made for garbage collection.
The letter said that because of the religious significance of the Gurdwara, the work of commercial facilities there should be reviewed.
Sikhs from all over the world have deep feelings for this region and place. Therefore, the construction work should also focus on preserving the traditional, cultural history of Kartarpur.
Traditional places should be set up instead of food stalls for the convenience of pilgrims. A look at Sadhuji's letter to the Pakistani Prime Minister reveals the fact that Sindhuji is a firm believer in his religious faith.
And every word of the contents of the letter bears witness to the fact that Sadhuji wrote this letter after much preparation and thoughtfulness. And all the suggestions regarding Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Sahib are a mirror of the sentiments not only of him but of the entire Sikh nation.
His suggestion to avoid building paved roads in the corridor so that Sikh pilgrims, who have been waiting for Darshan for seven decades, can have the privilege of setting foot on the holy land and pure soil is very heart-touching.
In this regard, followers of all religions of the world have always considered it a blessing to walk barefoot to their holiest places. And you can easily see the demonstration in the followers of all religions.
The letter says that local fruits and vegetables should be grown on this holy land which is used in the anchor of the pilgrims.
In this regard, not only Mr. Sidhu but all Sikh pilgrims should be happy that Babaji Guru Nanak Ji Maharaj planted wheat, rice, and vegetables on the land with his own hands and he watered the fields with his own hands.
And then these grains and vegetables were given to the Sikh pilgrims at anchor. This process continues even today.
All the suggestions of Navjot Singh Sadhu are workable and acceptable which are already being taken care of by the Pakistani government which is taking full care of the sentiments of the minorities. Mr. Sidhu does not need to worry in this regard.
Development of Darbar Sahib Kartarpur
A total of 1100 acres of land has been acquired for Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The people who were sitting on this land were paid a fixed price.
And housing was built in a new place. 400 feet space was vacated around Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. Bara-Dari is also being built there according to the prescribed design. Mango, guava, and other orchards and vegetables are being grown in the fields all around.
The project was expedited. In which fieldwork. Construction of a new bridge over Ravi, big anchorage, inn hotel, staff rooms, parking, public toilet, and other needs was also taken into consideration.
The two phases of Gurudwara Sahib were completed one after the other and the religious, spiritual, social, and societal environment of 500 years ago was given priority in the construction of the complex so that the pilgrims can feel a part of it even centuries later.
No pressure was exerted on the families living on 1100 acres as it was a practical example and teaching of love and all matters were settled amicably without harming anyone.
No damage was done to the structure of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib and its sanctity was given priority at all costs and its beauty was further highlighted after its construction.
Pakistan' Proposals / Suggestions to India
According to diplomatic sources, 14 important proposals on the Kartarpur Corridor, comprising 59 pages, were sent to India by Pakistan. According to the proposals, visa-free entry will be given to Indian pilgrims through Kartarpur Corridor. Both the countries will set up facility centers and security check posts within their borders.
Timing and Documentation
Pilgrims will be able to come in groups of at least fifteen people. Special permits will be issued by Pakistan to Indian Sikh pilgrims. And both countries will compile a record of Sikh pilgrims including their names, travel records, and other details.
The proposals said that the Indian government would provide the list of pilgrims to Pakistan at least three days in advance. Pilgrims will need to have a valid Indian passport. |Gurdwara Darbar Sahib will be open from 8 am to 5 pm.
The proposals state that Pakistan will issue permits to 500 pilgrims daily, but Pakistan will be able to revoke the permits without giving any reason. Indian pilgrims will also have to obtain a security clearance certificate from their government.
The Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal of Pakistan has been made more beautiful. The best arrangements are being made for the visitors coming here. We have a message of peace for the whole world.