SIALKOT: The Sikhs have re-started worshipping and performing their religious rites after several decades at the newly-renovated “Babey Di Beri Gurdwara” which is formally opened at Hamza Ghaus locality in Sialkot.

The historical Gurdwara building, which had been crumbling and badly in need of repair for decades, has been preserved in its original shape and design.

The Sikhs had regularly been worshipping in this Gurdwara till partition and since then it had been lying unattended as a majority of the Sikh community had migrated to India.

Sardar Jaskaran Singh has been appointed caretaker of Babey Di Beri Gurdwara by Sikh community leaders in Nankana Sahib, Lahore, Hassanabdal, Kartarpura and other parts of the country.

The caretaker said Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Siddiqul Farooq, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee pradhan Sardar Tara Singh, MPA Sardar Ramaish Singh Arora and Sikh leader Sardar Bishan Singh played a key role in the renovation and preservation of the Gurdwara.

He said book “Guru Granth” had also been kept at the historical Gurdwara where Guru Nanak Dev had also stayed for several times.

He said the Sikhs from around the world would soon start visiting the Babey Di Beri Gurdwara in Sialkot.

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Pakistan Sikh Sangat have lauded the efforts of all those behind the renovation of the historical gurdwara.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2016