Pakistani Gurdwara Allegedly Used as Sweet Shop, Sparking Outrage Over Sikh Heritage Neglect
A shocking video that has gone viral on social media reveals parts of a gurdwara in Sheikhupura district of Pakistan Punjab are allegedly being used to prepare sweets and samosas, raising serious concerns about the neglect of Sikh religious heritage. The clip, widely circulated online, shows sweets like "gajrela" being cooked within the gurdwara premises in Mandi Chuharkana, now known as Farooqabad, while samosas are prepared on the second floor of the building.
Historic Significance of the Site
Farooqabad holds immense historical importance for Sikhism, as it is internationally known for its association with Sacha Sauda, a defining episode in the life of Guru Nanak Dev. It was here that Guru Nanak, as a young boy, used money given by his father for trade to feed hungry sadhus, later inspiring the institution of Guru-ka-Langar. The gurdwara in question, referred to by locals as "Chota Gurdwara," lies barely 2km from the historic Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, one of Sikhism's most revered sites.
Disturbing Details from the Viral Video
The video further reveals an air cooler is placed on a platform clearly marked as the site where the Nishan Sahib—the Sikh religious flag—once stood, adding to the disrespect shown towards the sacred space. This shrine falls under the management of Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which is responsible for maintaining religious properties left behind by minorities after partition.
Broader Implications for Sikh Pilgrimage
The neglect is particularly striking given that thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and across the world regularly visit Gurdwara Sacha Sauda as part of jathas under the supervision of representatives of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). This incident highlights ongoing issues with the preservation of Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan, despite their cultural and religious significance.
Key points of concern include:
- The use of a gurdwara for commercial food preparation, violating its sanctity.
- The placement of an air cooler where the Nishan Sahib was once hoisted, showing disregard for religious symbols.
- The failure of the Evacuee Trust Property Board to adequately protect and maintain this historic site.
- The potential impact on Sikh pilgrims who visit nearby revered gurdwaras, expecting proper upkeep of associated religious properties.
This incident underscores the urgent need for better oversight and preservation efforts to safeguard Sikh heritage in Pakistan, ensuring that such sacred sites are treated with the respect they deserve.
