Breaking News: Punjab District Announces Three-Day School Holidays

In an important development, the District Education Authority (DEA) Nankana Sahib has officially declared three-day school holidays across the district in connection with the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism. The notification was issued on November 1, 2025, by the Chief Executive Officer of DEA Nankana Sahib, confirming that all government and private schools will remain closed from November 4 to November 6, 2025.

This announcement applies to 24 government schools and numerous private educational institutions situated within Nankana Sahib city — the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak. The order is intended to facilitate smooth arrangements during the religious festivities, which attract thousands of pilgrims from across Pakistan and abroad.

Historical Significance of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Anniversary

Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith, was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, located in today’s Punjab, Pakistan. His teachings emphasized equality, peace, compassion, and service to humanity. Every year, devotees from all over the world gather at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the sacred birthplace of Guru Nanak, to celebrate his birth anniversary with great devotion.

The annual event includes religious ceremonies, community meals (langar), and peace processions, symbolizing the core principles of unity and brotherhood that Guru Nanak preached throughout his life. The 556th birth anniversary, falling in November 2025, holds special importance as the Punjab government and local authorities are making extraordinary arrangements to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors.

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Official Notification Details

The official circular issued by the Chief Executive Officer of DEA Nankana Sahib specifies that schools under the DEA’s control and all private schools will be closed for three consecutive days. The following institutions are among those listed:

• Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School
• MC Girls High School
• Fatima Jinnah Girls High School
• Primary School Canada Colony
• Primary School Purani Abadi
• Primary School Shaheed Kot

In addition, the notification includes Baba Guru Nanak University, which will suspend all academic activities from November 3 to November 6. This step aims to reduce traffic congestion and allow visitors to move freely within the city during the festival.

Purpose Behind the Holiday Announcement

The three-day closure of schools and educational institutions serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows local authorities to manage the large influx of pilgrims expected to visit the city. Secondly, it helps maintain law and order and ensure security during the religious processions and events. Thirdly, the temporary suspension of classes will ease traffic pressure around key routes leading to the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, which becomes a focal point for visitors during this time.

Moreover, this decision reflects Punjab’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony. The provincial government and district administration recognize the significance of the event for the Sikh community and aim to provide a peaceful environment for all worshippers.

Security and Administrative Arrangements

The District Education Officer has issued directions to all school principals and monitoring teams to ensure strict compliance with the holiday order. Additionally, the district administration has finalized comprehensive security measures in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

According to official sources, security checkpoints, surveillance cameras, and traffic diversions have been planned throughout the city. More than 2,100 Indian Sikh pilgrims, granted visas by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, are expected to arrive through the Wagah border to join thousands of local devotees.

The district administration has also arranged for temporary accommodations, medical aid centers, and public sanitation services to manage the massive crowd. Roads leading to Gurdwara Janam Asthan have been cleaned and decorated, while parking areas and guidance centers have been established to assist visitors.

Tourist and Cultural Impact

The annual celebrations not only hold religious significance but also play a key role in promoting religious tourism in Pakistan. Nankana Sahib has long been recognized as one of the most important spiritual sites for Sikhs worldwide. The city witnesses a surge in both domestic and international visitors, leading to a positive impact on local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transport services.

In recent years, the Government of Pakistan has taken several steps to improve infrastructure, hospitality facilities, and connectivity around religious sites to attract global tourists. The Kartarpur Corridor, opened in 2019, remains a symbol of peace and religious tolerance, enabling Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib without a visa.

Community Reactions

Local residents have welcomed the three-day school holiday announcement, viewing it as a much-needed step for maintaining order during the religious festivities. Parents and teachers in Nankana Sahib have expressed satisfaction, saying it will help avoid congestion and allow students to participate in community service and volunteer programs organized during the celebrations.

Several community leaders also highlighted that this decision shows the government’s respect for all faiths, reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a country that protects religious freedom and promotes interfaith unity.

Economic & Logistical Preparations

The Punjab government has allocated additional funds for maintaining public facilities and cleanliness during the event. Local traders have stocked up supplies, while public transport operators are coordinating with authorities to manage increased passenger flow. Food stalls and markets are expected to operate extended hours to cater to pilgrims and visitors.

Emergency response units have also been placed on standby near major gathering points, ensuring quick medical assistance if required. Health departments have set up temporary clinics near Guru Nanak Hospital and Gurdwara Janam Asthan to provide first-aid and general care to devotees.

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Role of Baba Guru Nanak University

The Baba Guru Nanak University has suspended its academic sessions and announced participation in cultural activities, exhibitions, and seminars related to the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The institution plans to host an interfaith dialogue conference once the holidays conclude, emphasizing the message of peace and social harmony that the Guru preached.

University faculty and students have also volunteered to assist pilgrims with guidance, translation, and hospitality services during the event.

Broader Message of Interfaith Peace

This year’s celebrations once again underline the essence of tolerance and peace in Pakistani society. Punjab’s proactive steps to ensure the safety and comfort of Sikh pilgrims reaffirm the state’s dedication to maintaining friendly relations with minority communities.

Officials stated that such initiatives not only strengthen local harmony but also project a positive image of Pakistan globally, showcasing the country’s hospitality and inclusiveness toward all faiths.

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