When Cricket Unites, Why Do Pilgrimages Divide? Sikh Groups Question India-Pakistan Travel Disparity

A wave of profound disappointment and incredulity has swept through the Sikh community in India, as prominent religious organizations vocally question the government's perceived double standard regarding cross-border engagements with Pakistan. At the heart of their frustration lies a stark contrast: while a high-octane cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan recently captivated millions, numerous Sikh pilgrims find their spiritual journeys to sacred Gurdwaras in Pakistan consistently blocked.

The latest flashpoint arose with the denial of visas for Sikh jathas (groups) eager to partake in the Shaheedi Jor Mela at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, scheduled for April.

This refusal comes just weeks after the much-publicized India-Pakistan cricket encounter in Ahmedabad, leading Sikh leaders to ask a poignant question: If the thrill of a cricket match can transcend political differences, why can't the sanctity of religious pilgrimage?

Representatives from esteemed bodies like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) have articulated their deep-seated concerns.

They argue that pilgrimage is not merely a recreational activity but a fundamental religious right, deeply ingrained in the spiritual fabric of Sikhism. For devotees, visiting historical Gurdwaras like Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, and Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Pakistan is an act of profound devotion and a vital connection to their heritage.

"The government is denying visas to Sikh pilgrims who wish to visit their sacred Gurdwaras in Pakistan, while at the same time, it allows sporting events of such magnitude," stated a frustrated SGPC official, echoing the sentiments of countless devotees.

This selective approach, they contend, undermines the very spirit of religious freedom and creates an unfair disparity between different forms of cross-border interaction.

Sikh leaders point to the resounding success of the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free passage connecting Dera Baba Nanak in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, as a powerful testament to the potential for positive engagement.

The corridor has facilitated thousands of pilgrims, demonstrating that religious journeys can be managed securely and peacefully, even amidst complex bilateral relations. They assert that the government should adopt a similar facilitative approach for other pilgrimages, rather than allowing political tensions to dictate spiritual access.

The call for parity is clear: If diplomacy can make way for the roar of the crowd in a cricket stadium, it must also make way for the quiet prayers of pilgrims at holy shrines.

Sikh organizations are urging both governments to prioritize religious sentiments, ensure unfettered access to sacred sites, and treat the fundamental right to worship with the same respect and priority afforded to other forms of engagement between the two nations.

This ongoing debate highlights a significant challenge in India-Pakistan relations – balancing national security concerns with the profound cultural and religious ties that bind communities across the border.

For the Sikh community, the right to visit their holy places is non-negotiable, and they will continue to press for a policy that reflects both their unwavering faith and the potential for peaceful, purposeful cross-border connection.