Why in the news?

Recently, India and Pakistan has agreed to extend the validity of the Agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for next five years period.

About Dera Baba Nanak - Sri Kartarpur Sahib Pilgrimage

• Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib falls in district Narowal of Pakistan, about 4.5 k.m. from the international border near the historic town of Dera Baba Nanak, District Gurdaspur, Punjab. 
  • Village Kartarpur is located at the west bank of river Ravi. 
  • Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak is on the east bank of River Ravi.

About Agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

• Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement was originally signed in 2019 that was valid for 5 years. 
• Agreement provides for visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan on a daily basis, throughout the year.
  • However, Pakistani Sikhs do not have access to this corridor and cannot visit Dera Baba Nanak in India without first obtaining an Indian visa.
• All pilgrims travelling to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur are required to return the same day.
• Pakistan levy USD 20 on every pilgrim for each visit.
• Under the agreement, there is no restriction on the faith of the pilgrims who travel through the corridor.

Significance of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

• Cultural and religious significance
  • Kartarpur is the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, where he spent the last 18 years of his life.
    • Guru Nanak is believed to have composed many hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, in Kartarpur.
    • Community meal, called guru ka langar, was also initiated at Kartarrpur, an important part of Sikh tradition.
  • Guru Nanak Dev first practised three pillars of Sikhism here i.e.
    • Kirat Karo (working hard and an honest living); Vand Chhako (share wealth, possessions and talents with others) and Naam Japo (meditation through reciting, chanting and singing)' as the path to liberation.
• Peace and diplomacy: The corridor promotes religious tourism and fosters people-to-people connections.  It helps to enhance cultural diplomacy between India and Pakistan despite their political differences.