SGPC Cancels Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Death Anniversary

SGPC's Decision on Sikh Jatha

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has officially declared that it will not be sending a Sikh Jatha to Pakistan this year to commemorate the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This decision stems from the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The announcement was made on Monday and later confirmed by SGPC member Harbhajan Singh Vakta.

Typically, the SGPC organizes pilgrimages for such significant occasions, but this year, they will not be facilitating travel. The death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is set to be observed on June 30. This decision follows recent developments after India's Operation Sindoor, which led to travel restrictions at the Attari-Wagah border.

In a conversation, Harbhajan Singh Vakta mentioned, “Every year, a few Jathas are dispatched by SGPC to Pakistan for darshan. One of these is for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary... However, SGPC has decided against sending the Jatha this time. We made an official announcement yesterday. Given the current situation between the two countries, no Jatha will be sent for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary.”

Background on Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Who Was Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, born on November 13, 1780, was the founder and the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, ruling from 1801 until his death in 1839. He is renowned for restoring and constructing historic Sikh Gurdwaras and would express gratitude at the Harmandir Sahib to celebrate his victories.