The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism, is celebrated as Guru Nanak Gurpurab across the world by the people of Sikh community. The first of the 10 Gurus of Sikhs, Guru Nanak is a revered figure when it comes to Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev travelled across the lands and his teachings are registered in the form of poetic hymns in the holy book of Sikhs – Guru Granth Sahib. Gurpurab 2019 is bigger as this year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.

People across the world celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism – Guru Nanak Dev – with much zeal and joy in the form of Gurpurab. However, this year, the celebrations will have another dimension to the festivities, as both India and Pakistan will see the opening of Kartarpur Corridor – something which has been a long-time demand by the Sikh people living in India. Gurpurab 2019 Travel Guide: 5 Indian Gurudwaras Where You Can Catch Grand Celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

So, what is the story of Kartarpur? How is it connected to Guru Nanak Dev? Why is Kartarpur Corridor so significant? If you are clouded by such thoughts, LatestLY will answer all your FAQs regarding these subjects.

Who is Guru Nanak Dev?

Guru Nanak Dev was born on April 15, 1469, in Nankana Sahib, Punjab, present-day Pakistan. Many people believe his birth took place on Kartik Pooranmashi – the full moon day in the month of Katak (Oct-Nov). He is considered to be the founder of the Sikh religion in the 15th century. The core beliefs of Sikhism are well-articulated by Guru Nanak Dev in the sacred book – Guru Granth Sahib – in the form of over 950 poetic hymns. The holy book is also considered as the 11th and perpetual guru of the Sikh community.

What is the Story of Kartarpur?

Kartarpur is a small town located in Shakargarh Tehsil, Narowal district in Punjab, Pakistan. It was founded by the founder and first guru of Sikhism – Guru Nanak Dev – in 1504 AD. The name ‘Kartarpur’ also called ‘Khartarpur’ means “the place of God”.

It is said after Guru Nanak Dev travelled far lands for decades, he settled with his family in Kartarpur. After he passed away in 1539, the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib is said to have been built at that location. However, things got murky during the partition of India in 1947, when the region got divided across India and Pakistan.

Why is Kartarpur Corridor so Important?

The Kartarpur Corridor is set for a grandeur opening ahead of Guru Nanak’s 550 birth anniversary this year. After India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1947, the left bank of the river Ravi, where Dera Baba Nanak is, came into India’s side; whereas, the right side, where Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib is, came on Pakistan’s side.

The Kartarpur Corridor was first proposed in 1999 by PMs of India (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) and Pakistan (Nawaz Sharif), as a part of Delhi-Lahore bus diplomacy. However, the foundation stone was laid in 2018, on November 26, on the Indian side. On the Pakistani side, the stone was laid two days later.

The Dera Baba Nanak - Kartarpur Corridor will allow the devotees from India to visit the holy shrine of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, which is nearly 5 km into the Pakistan border, without a visa. It is said to ease the tensions between the two nations, who have been on the brink of peaceful diplomatic relations of late.

We hope the above post answers all the queries that have been on your mind in the context of Kartarpur, Guru Nanak Dev, Kartarpur Corridor and its significance. As people of Sikh community gear up to join the festivities of Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrations, we at LatestLY, wish you all a very ‘Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019!’

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2019 02:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).