70 Sikh Pilgrims Depart from Amritsar for Bangladesh to Mark Historic Sikh Anniversaries

Source: IANS

Amritsar, Thursday — A group of 70 Sikh pilgrims embarked on a special religious yatra to Bangladesh on Thursday to participate in ceremonies marking two landmark events in Sikh history — the 356th Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
The contingent, organized by the Kar Sewa Sampardai of Sarhali, assembled early in the morning at the Amritsar railway station before commencing their journey.

This annual pilgrimage has been coordinated by the Sampardai for nearly two decades (since 2004), making it one of the most significant cross-border faith-based journeys undertaken by Sikh devotees in the region.

Before departure, Baba Sukha Singh presented a Siropa, the traditional Sikh robe of honour, to the pilgrims, blessing them for a spiritually enriching journey ahead.

Key Moments and Timeline of the Journey

Early Morning Assembly at Amritsar Railway Station

According to a detailed report carried by Khalsa Vox, the pilgrims gathered at the station before sunrise. Many had been preparing for this yatra for months, viewing it not only as an act of devotion but also as a rare opportunity to reconnect with historic Sikh sites in Bangladesh.

The organizers ensured smooth logistics, issuing travel kits, prayer materials and route instructions.

Blessings and Siropa Ceremony

Addressing the pilgrims, Baba Sukha Singh said the yatra symbolized “Sewa, Simran and Sikh heritage”, and added:

“This journey reconnects us to the places touched by our Gurus. Those who take part carry forward a centuries-old tradition of devotion and brotherhood.”

He was accompanied by Baba Hakam Singh, who outlined the itinerary and urged pilgrims to maintain discipline and humility throughout the trip.

Itinerary: Major Stops Across Bangladesh

The jatha will pay homage at several historic gurdwaras, including:

The pilgrims are expected to spend the next several days participating in Akhand Paath, Kirtan Darbars, Langar sewa, and community outreach programmes. In previous years, such visits have also fostered deeper ties between Sikh communities living across South Asia.

Historical Context: Bangladesh’s Deep Connection with Sikh Heritage

Though not widely known, Bangladesh holds a special place in Sikh history. Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited several regions of present-day Bangladesh during his first Udasi, spreading the message of equality, compassion, and universal brotherhood.

Likewise, the Sikh community in Dhaka and parts of eastern Bengal has preserved gurdwaras for centuries, even after major geopolitical changes in the subcontinent.

This year’s yatra gains special significance because it coincides with:

1. 356th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism

2. 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru who laid down his life defending religious freedom

Such occasions draw global attention, with Sikh pilgrims often travelling to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal to visit historic shrines associated with the Gurus.

Recent Incident in Pakistan Casts Shadow on Regional Pilgrimages

The yatra comes days after a disturbing incident involving Hindu devotees in Pakistan. As reported by Khalsa Vox last week, around 14 Hindu pilgrims — eight from Delhi and the rest from Lucknow — were stopped by Pakistani officials while travelling to Nankana Sahib in Punjab province for Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary celebrations.

The Hindu pilgrims alleged that officials told them:

“You are Hindus. You cannot go with the Sikh group.”

They were reportedly forced to walk back toward the Indian border, despite holding valid visas.

Observers have sharply criticised the incident, questioning why visas were issued in the first place if the authorities intended to prevent their travel.

The analysis claimed:

“It appears Pakistan’s objective was humiliation — allowing the devotees to enter, only to insult and expel them publicly.”

Indian officials condemned the event as a “shocking and unprecedented act of discrimination.”

A senior officer was quoted saying:

“By separating Hindu pilgrims and sending them back in such a degrading manner, Pakistan has insulted their faith and disrespected the entire Indian nation.”

The episode has sparked diplomatic conversation on religious rights and cross-border pilgrim safety.

Reactions to the Bangladesh Yatra

From Religious Leaders

Baba Hakam Singh remarked:

“Our jatha is fortunate to visit sacred sites where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spread divine wisdom. Bangladesh has preserved these footprints with dignity.”

From the Sikh Community

Many lauded the initiative, especially after the disappointment surrounding the Pakistan incident.

A pilgrim named Kuldeep Singh said:

“After hearing what happened in Pakistan, we were uncertain. But the Bangladesh authorities have always welcomed Sikh pilgrims respectfully. We feel safe and honoured.”

From Regional Observers

Experts say such yatras strengthen interfaith harmony, cultural diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges between India and Bangladesh.
Unlike Pakistan, Bangladesh has maintained a longstanding tradition of facilitating Sikh religious visits without political interference.

Impact and Significance of the Event

Strengthening Cross-Border Religious Harmony

This yatra underscores the continued relevance of faith-based ties that transcend modern borders. It reinforces the shared cultural history between Sikhs and regions of Southeast Asia.

A Symbolic Message After Pakistan Episode

Following the discriminatory treatment of Hindu devotees in Pakistan, the smooth facilitation of this yatra by Bangladesh is being viewed positively in India. Analysts say it highlights contrasting approaches to religious freedom in South Asia.

Preserving Sikh Heritage Sites

Many gurdwaras in Bangladesh require conservation support, and such visits help bring global attention to their upkeep.

Empowering Youth Participation

Several younger devotees are part of the jatha, marking an effort to keep Sikh heritage alive among the next generation.

The departure of 70 Sikh pilgrims from Amritsar to Bangladesh marks an emotionally significant chapter in South Asia’s religious travel landscape. While the community continues to process the mistreatment of devotees in Pakistan, the Bangladesh yatra stands as a reminder that deep-rooted spiritual bonds remain strong across borders.

As the pilgrims journey through historic gurdwaras linked to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, their presence reinforces centuries of tradition, shared culture, and unwavering faith.

Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com

This yatra symbolizes resilience, unity, and devotion at a time when regional tensions threaten religious freedom. Bangladesh’s respectful facilitation of the pilgrims reinforces its commitment to interfaith harmony, in contrast to Pakistan’s recent actions. For the Sikh community, the journey is a heartfelt tribute to their Gurus and a reaffirmation of the values that define Sikhism — compassion, equality, and courage.