When talking about the two split nations in the subcontinent, the context of relations is always frosty. All that is about to change, due to the miracle of the Kartarpur corridor. The project has brought two nuclear-armed neighbours; Pakistan and India together for a common goal. Everyone deserves kindness and an extended hand of friendship, which is something of a miracle if achieved between enemies. Acceptance and respect for other people are what makes us fundamentally human.
As reflected in famed words:
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
                                                                                                                       Nelson Mandela
The same has been initiated by two countries forever at odds since 1947. Breaking spiritual barriers, the launch of the Kartarpur Corridor project has fulfilled a longstanding dream of the Sikh community worldwide. In a good-will gesture, Pakistan opened its borders to allow Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the Holy Shrine of Guru Nanak, known as Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. In the long, tense history of both the nations, this seems like a step towards peace, at the least a symbol of respect for the traditions of all religions. In attendance were many Indian dignitaries and former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, along with the ex-cricketer Sidhu.
History and Significance of Baba Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikh philosophy, based upon the belief of equality. Born in 15th century India, he faced a time of slavery, segregation, caste discrimination, and gender bias. Promoting the idea that there were no castes in the hereafter, and everyone was created equal, he gained popularity among the masses.
Having travelled many years to distant places of the world like Mecca, Tibet, and Europe, he took inspiration from various religions, and spread the message oneness of all humanity, without bigotry. He also coined the system of ‘langar,’ a community kitchen in every Sikh temple. It serves free meals to anyone, regardless of their age, faith, gender, religion, or caste.
Having spent the last 18 years of his life serving humanity, he passed away in the city of Karatarpur, in Pakistan. His shrine was built on the very lands he ploughed. Over the years, the river Ravi’s overflowing had destroyed much of the original structure, which was restored and renovated by the Pakistani government over the years. For seventy years, the Sikhs across the border had been expressing the wish to pay respects to their leader. Finally now over 5000 registered pilgrims can visit the shrine daily. Emotions were high during the ceremony when Pakistani PM Khan unveiled a giant gold and silver Kirpan as tribute to the Sikh community. A Kirpan is a holy relic, a dagger to keep on a Singh’s side at all times.
The pilgrims visiting the shrine had tears in their eyes, and warmth in their hearts, such is the testament of empathy and understanding. Being allowed to pay homage to one of their most prominent religious leaders moved their hearts towards the Pakistani population. Those who were forceful immigrants as a result of the partition were delighted to see again what they once called home.  Statements came from visitors that voiced that we are all the same people, divided by a border.
Paving the Path to Peace and Cross-Border Travel
Discussed over the years, multiple times; the Kartarpur Corridor project was withheld several times, due to the tense political situation between the neighbouring countries. Overcoming the current Kashmir curfew dispute, Pakistan announced the launch in collaboration with India, speeding up the construction process of ten years into one. The corridor connects Kartarpur in district Narowal, Pakistan, to Indian Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, via a 4.5 km distance. The process was fastened to be completed before the 550th birthday of the celebrated guru. Billions of rupees were invested by putting thousands of workers upon the project to quicken the pace. Extending multiple waivers to the request of the Indian government; the pilgrims from India would be allowed to visit the temple visa-free. Although certain disparate statements rose over whether or not a passport would be required to enter the borders of Pakistan, all attendees could not deny the reverence they felt.
Possibly serving as a gateway to improve future relations between the two, let’s hope humanity wins above all else. Cultural and religious inclusion has a way of bringing even the worst of enemies together and enables movement towards peaceful bilateral talks. The sentiments of both the representatives of the two nations were as follows:-
As stated by the Pakistani premier Imran Khan:
We are not only opening [the] border but also our hearts for the Sikh community,
And as stated by the Indian representative, Narendra Modi:
I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, for respecting the sentiments of India. I thank him for his cooperation,
If sentiments can be respected and hearts united, surely this gesture can be extended forwards for future generations? We can hope that such notions can one day take the shape of reality. The fact, as of now is, that thousands of Sikhs from across the globe can now visit this revered holy resting place of their leader with apt ease from either India or Pakistan.
What the Corridor Offers
As per the Pakistani government, visa-free access would be allowed in the first year of the pilgrimage to the temple for all visitors from India. Following Guru Nanak’s philosophy of universal inclusion, people from all faiths, castes, and genders would be allowed to visit. Providing a release from the 20$ fee on the inauguration day, 9th November, and Guru Ji’s Birthday 12th November, the Pakistani PM welcomed the first batch of guests. A shuttle bus service took attendees from the ‘zero-point’ to the location of the shrine. Before the opening of the memorial, devotees in India would stand atop the tower of the on the Indian side of the border and gaze upon the resting place of their Guru. Now all can come and seek his blessings. The ceremony held many bugles and surprises, which left the visiting Sikh community in tears and awe.
The mammoth complex is the pivotal Sikh holy place, attracting pilgrims from the UK, UAE, Canada, and Europe on its opening day. The area consists of a white dome shrine, 80 immigration counters, medical and IT centres, a tent to seat 10,000 guests, shopping kiosk, currency exchange booth, and free food hall for over 2000 people. Pakistan is improving ties with the neighboring nation, and hopefully this will promote tourism across communities as well as territories.
Flights to Pakistan with Travelhouseuk:
Are you also an admirer, follower, believer, of universal inclusion? Do you aspire to see culturally significant sites? Are you an art and history buff? If so, this is the opportune moment to take cheap flights to Pakistan with Travelhouseuk. Offering exceptional holiday packages to our British travellers,  our agents customize every detail of your trip to perfection. Many years of industry expertise combined with multiple search engines and best travel times, our team acquires low-cost flights for every destination.
So why wait? Contact us and book in advance. Plan your trip now to see the shrine of the historic, monumental, and celebrated Sikh chieftain It is now easily accessible to all who want to visit. All the more reason to see two beautiful, culturally diverse countries, abridging their gaps. The Northern regions of Pakistan are already on the British backpacker Society’s list of destinations as no.1, so why not see them for yourself?
If you haven’t decided on your next holiday destination yet, let us give you something to think about; read our 2020 destination blog. It will provide you with some superb ideas for Christmas and New Year’s 2019, as well as city breaks.
Happy holidays!
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