Jo bolay so nihaal, sasriyakaal, sasriyakaal!
Everyone was chiming to this greeting, regardless of their race, class or religion. Amidst the pitter patter of rain, one would hear the Adaan, echoing from a mosque nearby while strains of hymns beckoned the ear. A sublime atmosphere of devotion greeted Nighat’s senses at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur(Narowal).
Once you enter the parking lot, you’d have to pay the entry fee following which a bus will transport you to the main Gurdwara entrance (almost a kilometer away). Upon arriving there, you will be registered as “yatrees” and can then enter the premises.
Get mesmerized by all-white architecture with gold detailing, inspired by the religious beliefs of the Sikh community and customary Sikh structures.

The main Gurdwara rests in the centre of a huge courtyard that has a corridor running on all 4 sides.

Right next to the gurdwara is the sacred place where the flowers and clothes of Baba Guru Nanak were burried.

A little further away is the well, the water from which Baba Guru Nanak used to irrigate his land.

It is said that when India dropped a bomb during the 1971 war,it did not go off. The bomb has been displayed in a glass case with ‘Khanda’ a religious symbol of Sikh faith. A board put up beside the glass case, read “Miracle of Waheguruji.”

When in the courtyard, don’t miss the Kirpan, built and placed there at the commemration ceremony in 2019.

There is also an art gallery in one of the corridor, displaying the work of Pakistani and Indian artists for sale.



Walk around it and don’t forget to collect souveniers on your way out!

As you exit the gallery, the smell of food cooking will pervade your senses,inviting you to the Langar hall where one also gets to experience the selfless service of volunteers at work.


Here are some important things to know when planning your visit to the Gurdwara:

• Check the weather and study your travel route via Google Maps
• The entry timings are 10 00 am to 3 00 pm, 7 days a week
• Entry ticket is for Rs. 200
• Women and men must have their heads covered inside the Gurdwara
• Food isn’t allowed inside the Gurdwara but there are tuck shops from where you can get snacks
•  Respect the place as a sacred site, not a tourist spot

It’s broken our collective hearts to have to witness this extreme level of religious intolerance in the region. We hope that you will also go on this small journey to bring solace to your hearts and reignite the gleam of a peaceful, united and accepting future.
Signing off, with love,
Nighat