LAHORE: Pakistan has issued a commemorative coin to mark the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak as over 2,500 Indian Sikh pilgrims who came here to attend the special occasion left for their homes on Saturday. Celebrations for the 555th birth anniversary – which was on November 14 – began last week. Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, where the founder of Sikhism was born.
Sikh pilgrims People from all over the world, including India, participated in the religious rituals at the Gurdwara, which is about 100 km away from here.
The PKR 55 denomination special commemorative coin features Gurdwara Birthplace Nankana Sahib and ‘555th Birthday Celebration’ on one side and ‘Sri Guru Nanak Devji 1469-2024’ above and below respectively.
“Above, in the center are a crescent moon facing north-west in a rising position and a five-pointed star. Urdu (Islamic Republic of Pakistan) along the circumference at the top, and below the crescent are two springs of wheat with arms upturned.”
According to State Bank of PakistanThe coin — released Friday — contains 79 percent brass, 20 percent zinc and 1 percent nickel; Measures 30mm in diameter and weighs 13.5 grams.
The commemorative coin will be available at exchange counters in all branches of State Bank of Pakistan, the bank said.
Meanwhile, Punjab First Sikh Minister and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Minister (Chief) Ramesh Singh Arora and Evacuee Trust Property Board Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar bid farewell to the Indian Sikh pilgrims. on Saturday at the Wagah border.
Presents were given to the departing guests.
“We are taking back the beautiful memories of Guru’s land to our homeland. The media often portrays a distorted image of Pakistan, but the reality is quite different. The people here are loving and welcoming,” commented Gurmeet Singh, leader of a Sikh group.
On this occasion, Arora said that Religious Minorities in Pakistan Enjoy complete freedom and security. “All facilities including education and employment are equally available to everyone,” he added.
Pakistan issued a similar coin on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.
