Chamoli: The first batch of Sikh pilgrims departed from Govindghat in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday for Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib ahead of the annual opening of the revered Himalayan shrine.
The portals of Hemkund Sahib are scheduled to open for devotees on Saturday after remaining closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.
Traditional religious rituals marked the departure of the pilgrims from Govindghat, located near Badrinath. The procession was led by the ‘Panj Pyaras’, while devotees marched alongside the sacred ‘Nishan Sahib’ flag and devotional band tunes.
The atmosphere resonated with chants of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” as pilgrims began the spiritual journey towards the shrine.
According to officials, the pilgrims will halt overnight at Ghangharia, situated around 14 kilometres from Govindghat, before proceeding towards Hemkund Sahib on Saturday morning.
The management committee of the shrine will formally open the portals after the arrival of the first batch of devotees. The opening ceremony will include ‘Ardas’ prayers and other traditional Sikh religious rituals.
Chamoli Police said elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage, with security personnel deployed across the entire route.
The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib begins from Govindghat, around 15 kilometres before Badrinath, and involves an 18-kilometre uphill trek to the shrine located in the Himalayas.
