The government said all health-related protocols will be followed while sending Sikh devotees to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan

In view of the forthcoming 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, India has decided to throw open the Kartarpur Corridor to allow Sikh devotees to visit Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan from November 27 to December 1.

Speaking to the media in a virtual format during a weekly briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “This issue (opening of Kartarpur Corridor) has been discussed with the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has been decided that Sikh Jathha from India will visit Janamsthan Gurdwara Shri Nankana Sahib from November 27 to December 1 on the occasion of the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.”

The MEA spokesperson also informed that Sikh devotees’ visit to Gurdwara Shri Nankana Sahib will be as per 1974 bilateral protocol to religious shrines between India and Pakistan.

However, he underlined that in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, all health-related protocols will be strictly followed and the size of Sikh Jathha visiting Gurdwara Shri Nankana Sahib may be reduced.

It should be remembered that the Kartarpur Corridor was shut down by India in March in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.