Dear Readers in the wake of the recent ground breaking of Kartarpur Corridor, the Third Edition of the Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Newsletter explores a range of Sikh destinations across Punjab, drawing a spotlight onto the captivating Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, Rori Sahib and Sacha Sauda Gurdwaras - the origin of Sikh heritage in the world. Further, the issue invites renowned architect, Mr. Parvez Latif Qureshi, known for his pioneering work for Sikh religious tourism and responsible for the conservation and restoration of Gurdawara Janam Asthan, to share his riveting thoughts on strengthening ties with the Sikh community within Pakistan and around the globe to promote tourism in Pakistan. The Newsletter also provides a glimpse into 'Sikh Art & Architecture' Specialist, Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan's tremendous experience and research on t h e importance of conserving heritage and in tangible local culture. Focal person on the Committee on Religious Tourism and Heritage, Mr. Ali Salman discusses the opportunities and challenges i n promoting heritage tourism in the province. The Newsletter outlines project activities undertaken between January and June 2019 and invites our readers to vicariously experience Punjab's buoyant festivals. We sincerely trust that you will have a s pleasure reading this edition as we enjoyed compiling for you we wish you a compelling read!

Sikhism in Punjab

The origins of Sikhism may be traced to modern day Pakistan where the Sikhism faith originated with its founder Guru Nanak Dev in the early 1500's. The singular spiritual illumination that Guru Nanak imparted passed through a succession of Ten Sikh Gurus, culminating with Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scripture

Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Eminabad

Gurdwara Rori Sahib, located in Gujranwala is the sacred shrine which marks the site where, according to tradition, Guru Nanak was meditating on a bed of hard brickbats (ror-ree in Punjabi) in 1521. It is also said that this was the place where Guru Nanak performed chilla (40 days of meditations). At this site an imposing Gurdwara, along with a large pond and other monuments, was built.

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is located in Kartarpur near the River Ravi. The significance of the location is that Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life here. The original abode established by Guru Nanak was washed away by floods of the River Ravi. The present Gurdawara with the beautifully white domed building was donated by Sardar Bhupindar Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala. Nearby are also a well and other facilities that were added more recently. A parking area has also been added towards the north. The site lies only 3km from the Pakistan India border. The Gurdwara at Kartarpur can be seen from another Gurdwara located across the border in the historical town of Dera Baba Nanak in India.

Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Farooqabad

Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Sahib is located in Sheikhupura. The story related to this site is that when Guru Nanak was eight years old, his father gave him some money to begin business by buying and selling goods at a profit. However Guru Nanak met some Sadhus who were hungry and so he decided to feed them with the money he had received from his father. On returning home Guru Nanak explained to his father that a good deed was the best profit one could make with money. This free food that is distributed became the Sikh tradition of Langar. On the spot of the first Langar, a Gurdwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Gurdwara is an impressive structure with a three storey building; which houses the guest rooms for yatris and offices in the front and a courtyard surrounded by buildings at the back. The entire complex has been beautified: well maintained, cleaned and regularly painted and is frequently visited by the town's people because of its serene and well-kept ambience.

Gurdwara Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib is a city in Punjab named after Baba Guru Nanak Dev. Located about 80 kilometers south west of Lahore, it is a city of high historic and religious value and is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs from all over the world. The town currently has nine Gurdwaras including the Gurdwara Janam Asthan (also known as Gurdwara Nankana Sahib) which marks the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev. Annually, approximately 30,000 Sikh pilgrims visit the town, with about 15,000 gathering during the peak season around the birthday celebrations of Guru Nanak.

Over the centuries, the Sikh Gurus forged a spiritual path of enlightenment known the world over as Sikhism. There are around 195 Gurdwaras across Pakistan. A Gurdwara, referred to as the gateway to the guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs; however, people from all faiths are welcomed in the Sikh Gurdwara. The gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the current and everlasting Guru of the Sikhs, the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on a Takhat (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The Raagis (who sing Ragas) recite, sing and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the holy congregation.

Some of the prominent Sikh shrines established by the Sikh Gurus are:

• 1. Gurdwara Nankana Sahib
• 2. Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Eminabad
• 3. Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Farooqabad 4. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur

Significance of the Circuit The three gurdwaras fall within the geographical and ecological zone of the riverine basin of the River Ravi. The ensuing historical and cultural expressions associated with this area have woven through millenniums giving us a significant historical/cultural account which knits together many faiths and people.

In addition to the Sikh Heritage of the area ranging from Gurdwaras to the exquisite Sikh period havelis there are many remains of the Jain and Mughal heritage such as Sheikhupura Fort and Hiran Minar.

The culmination point of this Circuit is Lahore located at a distance of 78.5 km from Gurdawara Sacha Sauda. Lahore, the capital city of the

Punjab, has been a melting pot of the many religions and cultures which interacted with each other through centuries and left an indelible mark on the ethos of the city. Lahore is also where the journey for the Sikh Yartis begins at Darbar Sahib.