First Sikh jatha since Operation Sindoor crosses into Pakistan for Guru Nanak's Prakash Purab

A jatha of Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border on Tuesday, November 4, to celebrate the Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev. It was the first major crossing since Operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan clashes in May.

The SGPC took 1,796 pilgrims by bus from Heritage Street near the Golden Temple to the border, while devotees from other Sikh bodies reached the border directly. Pakistani officials welcomed the group with flowers.

The Centre had at first refused permission over security concerns, but changed its decision after appeals from Sikh organisations. This year only Indian citizens were allowed in the jatha; in earlier years NRIs had also joined.

The pilgrims were to join the celebrations on November 5 at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak's birthplace, and also visit Kartarpur Sahib and historic gurdwaras in Lahore.

The jatha was due back on November 13. Many of its members were visiting the shrines for the first time.