Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, commonly known as Kartarpur Sahib, is a revered gurdwara situated in Kartarpur within the Shakargarh, Narowal District, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This gurdwara holds immense significance as it is located close to the border between India and Pakistan, and it is notably the site where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life.
The proximity of the gurdwara to the India-Pakistan border adds to its prominence. From the Indian side, many Sikh devotees gather on bluffs to perform darshan, or a holy viewing of the shrine, which is visible across the border.
This site represents not only a physical location but also a poignant symbol of cultural and religious unity, albeit across a tense international boundary.
A landmark development occurred on November 9, 2019, when the Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, officially opened the Kartarpur Corridor.
This corridor was inaugurated on the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolically resonating with themes of unity and connection. This initiative was particularly significant as it occurred just days before the celebration of Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday.
For the first time, this corridor allowed Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the site in Pakistan without a visa, facilitating easier access and promoting religious harmony.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is often described as the world’s largest gurdwara, embodying a monumental place of worship that attracts thousands of visitors each year, including Sikhs from around the globe who seek to connect with their spiritual leader’s final resting place.
The establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor is a significant step in easing the pilgrimage process, making the gurdwara more accessible, and underscoring the shared cultural heritage between the neighboring countries.
