Nankana Sahib being most sacred Sikh place; the location of the birth of the Sikh founder, Guru Nanak is one of the fastest growing towns in Punjab, Pakistan. It is a popular place for Sikhs from all over the world. At the time of Guru Nanak's birth the town was called Rai Bhoe's Talwandi [4]and was also referred to as Raipur. Rai Bular Bhatti was the ruler of this area and Baba Nanak's father was Rai Bular's employee. The divine qualities of Baba Nanak were first discovered by his sister Nanaki and Rai Bular Bhatti. Rai Bular gifted approx. 20,000 acres (81 km2) of land all around the city of Talwandi to Guru Nanak and the town began to be called Nankana Sahib. The town currently has nine gurdwaras including the Gurdwara Janam Asthan which marks the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev. Each of the gurdwaras is related with important events in Guru Nanak's life. Annually, approximately 30,000 Sikh pilgrims visit the town[5], with about 15,000 gathering during the peak season around the birthday celebrations of Guru Nanak.
|