Published 06:13 IST, November 9th 2019
Kartarpur Corridor to be inaugurated for Indian pilgrims on Nov 9
Kartarpur Sahib corridor connecting the Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur will be inaugurated today
The much anticipated Kartarpur Sahib corridor connecting the Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur will be formally be inaugurated and open for pilgrims on Saturday, November 9. The inauguration of the much-awaited 4.7-kilometre-long passage comes just three days ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 12.
Indian and Pakistan to hold ceremonies on either side of the border
The two nations are set to hold separate ceremonies on either side of the border to inaugurate the passage that will grant Indian pilgrims access to the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, who passed away at the start of the 16th century.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor and will today flag off the first batch of 500 Indian pilgrims including several dignitaries including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former BJP turned Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, and Union Ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri. There will also be 150 parliamentarians in the first jatha (a long march, especially of Sikhs).
PM Modi will also inaugurate passenger terminal building, also known as Integrated Check Post, where pilgrims will get clearance to travel through the corridor. A 300 feet National Flag was hoisted at the International Border. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will also inaugurate the corridor from other side of the border. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement but Indian pilgrims are required to carry their passports and will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, which was established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522.
Updated 08:16 IST, November 9th 2019