I Was Lucky to Visit Kartarpur Gurdwara Before Everyone Else Did

We are fortunate to have visited Kartarpur Sahib, that too before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Here’s a first look at Kartarpur gurdwara before it open to Indian pilgrims.

(Photo Courtesy: Charanjeet Minhas/Altered by The Quint)

Video Editor: Prashant Chauhan
Video Producer: Aastha Gulati

On 24 October, my wife and I had the good fortune of visiting Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara – before it opens to Indian pilgrims on 8 November.

We travelled from Delaware to Lahore a day before and left for Kartarpur the following morning. There was a lot of construction activity going on, but it was wonderful to get a first look at Darbar Sahib.

Charanjeet and Renu Minhas pose for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Charanjeet and Renu Minhas)

What we will cherish most is the kind of hospitality and warmth we received from the Pakistanis, from the security people at the entrance of the gurdwara. We were greeted with warmth and joy everywhere we went. It was a pleasure being at Kartarpur.

We were greeted with a white expanse upon entering the premises. It was amazing to see the commitment of the local and central government in finishing up the work before the inauguration. There was a road being constructed for the pilgrims’ entry, and the library was almost furnished too. The experience was nothing short of surreal.

Construction underway at the gurdwara.(Photo Courtesy: Charanjeet and Renu Minhas)

It was most touching to see local people from Lahore and its neighbourhood welcoming and helping us, making sure we had a great time.

This visit was something that we had desired and wanted for a long time, but we’d never thought that such a day would come when we’d have the opportunity to visit the holy destination – that too before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

We were also lucky to have visited Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev.

Our purpose in coming here has been fulfilled in a joyous and beautiful way.

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