SGPC Cancels Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Death Anniversary Amid Tensions

Amritsar, June 16, 2025 — The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has decided not to send Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan this year to observe the death anniversary of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a revered figure in Sikh history. The commemoration, traditionally held on June 29 at his samadhi in Lahore, will be missed by devotees due to rising cross-border tensions and prevailing government advisories.

SGPC Secretary Partap Singh confirmed that although many Sikh devotees had already submitted their passports to the SGPC’s Travel Department for the annual pilgrimage, the trip has been called off as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that the committee regularly facilitates a jatha (group) for this religious visit, but current geopolitical conditions made this year’s travel unfeasible.

“Given the present situation and the advisory from the Indian Government, we have decided not to send the jatha this year. The safety and well-being of pilgrims remain our top priority,” Singh said.

Pilgrims who had registered are being asked to contact the SGPC Travel Department for further guidance or reimbursement-related queries.

The cancellation marks a rare break in a decades-long tradition and reflects heightened caution amid simmering tensions between India and Pakistan. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary Sikh ruler who established a powerful empire in Punjab during the 19th century, remains a unifying figure for Sikhs worldwide, and his death anniversary typically draws large numbers of pilgrims to Pakistan every year.