Sikhism in Pakistan facts for kids
Gurdwara Janam Asthan
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 50,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
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| Languages | |
| Punjabi |
Sikhism has a long and rich history in the area that is now Pakistan. Even though Sikhs are a small group in Pakistan today, their religion started in the wider Punjab region during the Middle Ages. Most Sikhs in Pakistan live in the province of Punjab. Some also live in Peshawar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
A very important place for Sikhs is Nankana Sahib. This town, located in Punjab, Pakistan, is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. He was the founder of the Sikh religion.
Contents
A Brief History of Sikhs in Pakistan
Sikhs have played a big part in the history of this region. In the 1700s and 1800s, the Sikh community became very strong. A famous Sikh leader named Ranjit Singh created the first Sikh Empire. The capital city of this empire was Lahore, which is now the second-largest city in Pakistan. Many Sikhs lived in big cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad during that time.
The Partition of India and Its Impact
In 1947, a major event called the Partition of India happened. This divided British India into two new countries: India and Pakistan. After this, most Sikhs and Hindus living in Pakistan moved to India. At the same time, many Muslim families from India moved to Pakistan. This big movement of people changed the population of both countries.
Sikh Community Today
After Pakistan became independent in 1947, the Sikh community started to rebuild itself. They formed a group called the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC). This committee works to represent the Sikh community. It also helps protect the holy places and important heritage sites of the Sikh religion in Pakistan.
Pilgrimages and Travel
The government of Pakistan has made it easier for Sikhs to visit their holy sites. Sikhs from India can now travel to Pakistan for pilgrimages. Also, Pakistani Sikhs can travel to India to visit their religious places there. This helps connect the Sikh community across borders.
Important Sikh Holy Sites
Pakistan is home to several very important Sikh Gurdwaras (places of worship). These sites are special because they are linked to the lives of the Sikh Gurus.
Gurdwara Janam Asthan
Nankana Sahib is home to Gurdwara Janam Asthan. This Gurdwara marks the exact spot where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born. It is a very sacred place for Sikhs around the world. The Pakistani government has helped rebuild and maintain this important site.
Gurdwara Panja Sahib
Another significant Gurdwara is Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. This Gurdwara is famous for a rock that is believed to have the handprint of Guru Nanak. Many pilgrims visit this site to see the sacred handprint.
Gurdwara Dera Sahib
In Lahore, you can find Gurdwara Dera Sahib. This Gurdwara is next to the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, which is the tomb of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The golden dome of Gurdwara Dera Sahib is a beautiful sight.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is located in Kartarpur. This Gurdwara commemorates the place where Guru Nanak spent the last years of his life. It is a very important pilgrimage site, especially for Sikhs in India, as it is close to the border.
Images for kids
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Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore
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Exterior of Panja Sahib Gurdwara in Hasan Abdal
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Kanga, Kara and Kirpan - three of the five articles of faith endowed to the Sikhs.
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Gurudwara in Layallpur Faisalabad
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Golden dome of Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore
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The Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, commemorates the site where Guru Nanak is believed to have been born. It was rebuilt by the Pakistani Government
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Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Punjab
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Darbar Sahib, gurdwara commemorating Guru Nanak, in Kartarpur, Pakistan
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