LAHORE: A guidebook on Sikh historical shrines in Lahore district has been launched on the occasion of Baisakhi.

Over 40 shrines have been documented, including six Gurdwaras dedicated to Siri Guru Nanak Sahib, one to Siri Guru Amardas Sahib, two to Siri Guru Ram Das Sahib, four to Siri Guru Arjan Sahib, and 11 to Siri Guru Hargobind Sahib.

It also includes three Gurdwaras and monuments of associates of the Sikh Gurus, five Shaheeds of the Sikh Misl era, four Samadhs from the Sikh Kingdom, and six other sites – all located within the current Lahore district of Pakistan,” says Jeevay Sanjha Punjab which is a team of volunteers working on both sides of the border to promote love, peace and understanding between Charda (East) and Lehnda (West) Punjab.

The book also includes detailed histories, Google maps location coordinates, educational videos and coloured coded maps.

“The more than 75-year separation of Sikhs from their historical shrines in Pakistan has resulted not only in physical distance but also a significant loss of memory for the Sikh community. The emotional toll of this separation is immense, with many of the Sikh historical shrines left back in Pakistan having been forgotten from the community’s collective memory, especially those in villages,” it says and adds five shrines are functional Gurdwaras, and one shrine is well-maintained but not a functional Gurdwara.

“Fourteen sites are still standing but occupied by locals, converted into tombs, or used as schools, etc. Eight sites are in ruinous condition due to neglect, while 14 sites have disappeared entirely or been replaced by new buildings, but we now know their exact locations.”

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2025