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Sikh Pilgrims Depart for Bangladesh Amid Pakistan's Shocking Hindu Expulsion

A group of 70 Sikh pilgrims has departed from Amritsar for a special religious journey to Bangladesh. They will commemorate two major Sikh anniversaries during their visit. The pilgrimage stands in stark contrast to recent events where Hindu pilgrims were expelled from Pakistan. This annual tradition has been organized by the Kar Sewa Sampardai since 2004.

Key Points: 70 Sikh Pilgrims Travel to Bangladesh for Guru Anniversaries

  • 70 pilgrims organized by Kar Sewa Sampardai for special religious yatra
  • Visit prominent gurdwaras across Dhaka, Chatogram and Mymensingh
  • Annual pilgrimage tradition continues for nearly two decades since 2004
  • Contrasts with recent Hindu pilgrim expulsion incident in Pakistan
3 min read

70 Sikh pilgrims depart for Bangladesh to commemorate key events

70 Sikh pilgrims from Amritsar journey to Bangladesh for Guru Nanak Dev's 356th birth anniversary and Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary ceremonies.

"You are Hindus. You cannot go with the Sikh group - Pakistani officials to Hindu pilgrims"

Dhaka, Nov 20

As many as 70 Sikh pilgrims left Amritsar for a special religious yatra to Bangladesh, where they will participate in ceremonies commemorating two significant events in Sikh history — the 356th Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, a report said on Thursday

According to a report in Khalsa Vox, the Kar Sewa Sampardai of Sarhali organised the contingent, which assembled at the Amritsar railway station before commencing its journey. Prior to departure, Baba Sukha Singh presented a 'Siropa', a traditional robe of honour, to the devotees. The Sampardai has coordinated this annual pilgrimage for nearly two decades since 2004.

"Speaking about the itinerary, Baba Sukha Singh and Baba Hakam Singh said the jatha will pay homage at several prominent gurdwaras across Bangladesh. Their stops include Gurdwara Nanakshahi and Gurdwara Sangat Tola in Dhaka, Gurdwara Sikh Temple Estate and Gurdwara Sahib in Chatogram, and Gurdwara Guru Nanak Mandir in Mymensingh. The delegation will spend the coming days participating in religious programmes, offering prayers and engaging in community activities at each site," the report detailed.

Last week, 'Khalsa Vox' reported that in a recent incident, around 14 Hindu devotees — including eight from Delhi and others from Lucknow — who were part of a group travelling to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan’s Punjab province to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary, were humiliated and sent back by Pakistani authorities

Hindu pilgrims said Pakistani officials prevented them from boarding the bus to Nankana Sahib, saying, “You are Hindus. You cannot go with the Sikh group”, and compelled them to walk back towards the Indian border.

“Observers have questioned Pakistan’s motives, asking: If Pakistani authorities had such an issue with Hindus, why were they granted visas in the first place? It appears that the entire purpose was to humiliate them—first by issuing visas and allowing them into Pakistan, and then by publicly insulting and expelling them,” the report mentioned.

Condemning the incident, Indian officials described it as a “shocking and unprecedented act of discrimination.”

“By separating the Hindu pilgrims from the group and sending them back in such a humiliating manner, Pakistan has not only insulted their faith but also disrespected the entire nation of India. This incident once again demonstrates that Pakistan is unwilling to abandon its petty and divisive tactics, and continues to seek every possible opportunity to create discord among Indians,” the report noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Bangladesh, I can say they are very welcoming to Indian pilgrims. The treatment of Hindu devotees in Pakistan is truly shameful and shows their real intentions.
P
Priya S
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa! 🙏 So heartening to see this yatra continuing for nearly 20 years. Our Sikh community has always shown how to maintain traditions while building bridges with neighbors. The Pakistan incident breaks my heart - religion should unite, not divide.
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Michael C
While I support religious pilgrimages, I wish our media would focus more on the spiritual aspect rather than always comparing with Pakistan. The real story here is the beautiful tradition being maintained for 20 years.
A
Arjun K
Bangladesh has always been a good friend to India when it comes to religious tourism. The list of gurdwaras they'll visit shows the rich Sikh heritage in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Pakistan's behavior is exactly why we need to be cautious with them.
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Kavya N
The Pakistan incident shows their true colors. Issuing visas and then humiliating devotees - what kind of mentality is this? Meanwhile, our pilgrims can peacefully visit Bangladesh. This is why India-Bangladesh relations are so important for regional harmony.

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