Harmeet Singh Kalka,
Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Committee urges Centre to allow Sikh Jatha to Nankana Sahib on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, September 16, 2025: The President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), S. Harmeet Singh Kalka, today expressed concern over the Central Government’s decision not to permit a jatha (entourage) of Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji this November.
Kalka said that the centuries-old tradition of Sikh devotees visiting the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji should not be curtailed on account of security concerns. “Every year, devotees from across the world aspire to visit Nankana Sahib on this sacred occasion. I appeal to the Government to at least allow a limited jatha to attend the celebrations,” he said.
He suggested that even if the number of visas is reduced from 3,000 to 500 and the duration of the pilgrimage shortened from 10 to 5 days, the sangat should still be given the opportunity. Kalka has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to reconsider the decision, and assured that DSGMC is ready to engage with authorities on this matter.
Highlighting the sentiments of the Sikh community, Kalka remarked, “If cricket teams from Pakistan can play matches with India, then the emotions of Sikh devotees must also be respected. The Government should take a balanced decision because hurting religious sentiments can have serious consequences.”
He also raised concern over the continued closure of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, calling for its reopening at the earliest. At the same time, Kalka acknowledged the Government’s responsibility for ensuring the safety of pilgrims. “We cannot merely blame the Government, as the security of pilgrims is a critical responsibility. A phased approach—reducing the number of pilgrims, shortening the duration, and gradually improving bilateral conditions—may be a practical solution for now,” he added.