A historic gurdwara in Lahore has reopened to the Sikh community after remaining closed for 77 years. The reopening marks the first time since the Partition of 1947 that worshippers have been able to perform religious ceremonies at the site.
The shrine, known as Gurdwara Chhatti Patshahi, is located in the Chung Amarsidhu area of Lahore. According to the Sikh Sewa Welfare Society Pakistan, the property had remained under the occupation of local residents since 1947. After months of coordinated efforts, the site was successfully returned to the Sikh community.
The restoration process took around six months and involved the Sikh Sewa Welfare Society Pakistan, the district administration, local police, and the Evacuee Trust Property Board. Their combined efforts helped clear the way for the reopening of one of Lahore’s important religious landmarks.
Members of the Sikh community gathered at the gurdwara on July 5 to celebrate the shrine’s 407th anniversary. They offered prayers and performed religious rites at the site, making it the first official worship held there since the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
According to Sikh history, Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, visited the location in 1619. The gurdwara was later constructed during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, one of the most influential rulers in the region. In 1922, the building was expanded and renovated under the supervision of renowned philanthropist Sir Ganga Ram, further increasing its historical and religious importance.
Dr. Gulab Singh, a leader of the Sikh Sewa Welfare Society Pakistan, described the reopening as a deeply emotional and historic moment for the community. He thanked the Punjab government, district administration, police, the Evacuee Trust Property Board, and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora for supporting the restoration process.
Speaking on the occasion, Arora said the Punjab government would ensure the complete restoration and long-term preservation of the gurdwara. He said the aim is to protect its religious, cultural, and historical value for future generations.
The minister also revealed that work is currently underway to restore and reopen 50 more gurdwaras across Pakistan. He said these efforts reflect the government’s commitment to preserving places of worship and promoting religious heritage.
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The reopening of Gurdwara Chhatti Patshahi is being viewed as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s Sikh community. It also highlights ongoing efforts to preserve historical religious sites and improve access for worshippers. For many Sikhs, the return of this sacred place after nearly eight decades represents both a spiritual and cultural achievement.
