Delhi govt may offer free pilgrimage to Nanakana Sahib in Kartarpur

The Delhi government is likely to offer free pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib Gurudwara at Kartarpur in Pakistan under its flagship 'Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana', sources said on Tuesday. According to official sources, a meeting was held on the issue under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present in the meeting.

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Under its fully-funded scheme launched in July, the AAP government is currently sending senior citizens on pilgrimage to 12 destinations. The government is likely to cover the USD 20 service fee as asked by Pakistan for the pilgrimage.

Kejriwal is likely to take the final call on the matter in the next few days, they said. Sources said that the Delhi government also plans a grand celebration on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This includes setting up of a digital museum that is expected to be launched by November. A book on the life of Guru Nanak is also expected to be unveiled.

They added that the government plans to organise rabab festival and a laser show at Central Park. Rabab was the musical instrument used by Guru Nanak. Under the "Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana", the Delhi government bears all the expenses on the pilgrimage, including the travel, food and accommodation charges. Facilities like paramedical staff and attendants are also provided during the journey.

Senior citizens who wish to be a part of the free pilgrimage are issued certificates by MLAs of their respective areas, ministers and the chairman of the Tirth Yatra Vikas Samiti.

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