India to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji 2019
Government of India will celebrate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji, which falls next year, throughout the country and across the globe, in a grand and befitting manner along with State Governments and the Indian Missions abroad. Guru Nanak Devji's teachings of love, peace, equality and brotherhood have eternal value.
Highlights of the planned celebration.
Development of Kartarpur Sahib corridor:
The Government approved the building and development of the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the international border, to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river, in Pakistan, where Shri Guru Nanak Devji spent 18 years. Pilgrims would then be able to visit the holy shrine throughout the year. The corridor will have modern amenities and facilities. Government of Pakistan will be urged to recognize the sentiments of the Sikh community and to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory as well.
Development of Sultanpur Lodhi:
The historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi, associated with the life of Shri Guru Nanak Devji, shall be developed as a heritage town and on the Smart City principles, including energy efficiency, to highlight Shri Guru Nanak Devji's emphasis on sustainability and reverence for nature. As a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists, a heritage complex at Sultanpur Lodhi, "Pind Babe Nanak da" will be established to depict life in the times of Shri Guru Nanak Devji. Sultanpur Lodhi railway station will be upgraded and developed with all the modern amenities.
Centre for inter faith studies and Chairs in foreign Universities:
A centre for inter faith studies will be set up at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Chairs on Shri Guru Nanak Devji will be set up in one University each in UK and Canada. An International seminar on the life and teachings of Shri Guru Nanak Devji will be organised in New Delhi.
Celebrations throughout the country and globally:
Indian missions overseas will organize special events to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji.
Commemorative coin and stamps:
Commemorative coin and postage stamps will be released by the Government of India to mark this momentous occasion.
Religious activities and publications:
Religious activities will be organised throughout India. Doordarshan will telecast programmes on Shri Guru Nanak Devji and the Gurubani. National Book Trust will publish Gurbani in different Indian languages. UNESCO will be requested to publish Shri Guru Nanak Devji's writings in world languages.
Special train for pilgrims:
Ministry of Railways will run a train passing through the various holy places associated with Shri Guru Nanak Devji, for pilgrims and tourists.
