Kartarpur is a town located in the Narowal District of Punjab, Pakistan, and is renowned for its religious and historical significance, especially within the Sikh community. Situated about 4 kilometers from the India-Pakistan border, Kartarpur is best known as the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life. This makes it one of the holiest places for Sikhs around the world.

The most prominent landmark in Kartarpur is the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, which marks the location where Guru Nanak spent his final years and where he is believed to have passed away in 1539. The Gurudwara, a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs, is a beautiful and serene complex, surrounded by peaceful gardens and situated along the banks of the Ravi River. The Gurudwara not only serves as a place of worship but also as a cultural and historical center where Sikhs gather to celebrate important events, including the birth and death anniversaries of Guru Nanak.

In 2019, the Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated, which allows Indian Sikhs to visit the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib without needing a visa. This corridor, connecting the Indian town of Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab to Kartarpur in Pakistan, is a significant step towards fostering religious and cultural ties between the two countries. It has made it easier for Sikhs living in India to visit the revered site, which has historically been difficult to access due to the India-Pakistan border.

Kartarpur holds deep historical importance in Sikhism, as Guru Nanak’s establishment of Kartarpur as a center for his community reflects his teachings of peace, equality, and devotion. The town and its surroundings exude a tranquil atmosphere, and the Gurudwara itself is a site for reflection, prayer, and spiritual connection for Sikhs worldwide.

The Ravi River, which flows near Kartarpur, adds to the town’s serene environment. The river’s banks are dotted with lush greenery, making it a peaceful place for visitors who come to experience both the spiritual atmosphere and the natural beauty surrounding the town.

In addition to its religious significance, Kartarpur is a symbol of the deep cultural and historical connections between India and Pakistan. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor has been seen as a gesture of goodwill and an effort to promote religious harmony and understanding between the two nations. The town continues to be a pilgrimage destination for Sikhs, who come from around the world to pay their respects at the Gurudwara and to witness the peaceful atmosphere that Guru Nanak Dev Ji created during his lifetime.