LAHORE, Pakistan—As centenary of Nankana Sahib massacre, also called “Saka Nankana Sahib” in Sikh parlance, is being observed on large scale at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, where this massacre took place, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) has planned a week-long programme to mark the centenary.
Today, the PSGPC president Satwant Singh wrote an open letter to Sikh sangat across the world inviting it to the centenary event. He made a special request to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) which is sending its big jatha to Pakistan for this event.
“To inform you that completion of the century of Saka Nankana Sahib” (1921) will be observed this year with religious fervor to remember the Sikh martyrs of Feb 1921, who laid down lives for the dignity of their Gurus and Sikh Panth”, reads the letter.
It further reads, “On the recommendation of esteemed Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Govt. of Pakistan has decided to allow Indian Sikh Yatrees to attend the event. The main function of Saka Nankana Sahib will be held in Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib on February 21, 2021 as per “Sikh Rehat Maryada”. Visa will be granted to all foreign Sikh Yatrees in maximum number including the intending Sikh Yatrees from India”.
“All Sikh Sangats from across the world are invited to send their delegations (Jathas) to attend the event. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) India is requested to send “Panj Pyarey” and Kirtani group with their jatha”, added Satwant Singh in the letter.
Below is the tentative programme announced by the PSGPC from its office at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore:
18 Feb Arrival at Wagah & departure for Nankana Sahib
19 Feb Visit of Sacha Sauda and Back to Nankana Sahib
20 Feb Stay at Nankana Sahib
21 Feb Main ceremony of “Saka Nankana Sahib”
22 Feb Departure for Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, Hasanabdal
23 Feb Departure for Gurdwara Sri Dera Sahib, Lahore
24 Feb Visit of Kartarpur Sahib and Rori Sahib, Gujranwala and back to Lahore
25 Feb Departure via Wagah border (on foot)
Saka Nankana Sahib is the massacre that took place in Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib on 20 February 1921, at that time of British India, in modern-day Pakistan. More than 260 Sikhs were killed, the youngest of them being a little short of eight years, Sardar Darbara Singh, son of Sardar Kehar Singh, by the Mahant and his mercenaries. The event forms an important part of Sikh history. The saga constitutes the core of the Gurdwara Reform Movement started by the Sikhs in the early twentieth century.
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