Portals of Hemkund Sahib have opened for devotees amid religious fervour in Uttarakhand, with the first batch of Sikh pilgrims led by Panj Pyare reaching the sacred shrine on Saturday morning.
Narenderjit Singh Bindra, president of Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, and senior manager Sardar Seva Singh confirmed that Guru Granth Sahib was ceremonially placed in Darbar after being brought from Sachkhand. This was followed by Akhand Path, Shabad Kirtan, Ardas and Hukamnama rituals. A special Ardas was organised for devotees on the first day.
On Friday, May 22, the first group departed from Gurudwara under Panj Pyare’s leadership, with band processions and holy Nishan Sahib. Devotees halted overnight at Ghagaria Gurudwara before proceeding to Hemkund Sahib on Saturday.
Situated at an altitude of around 15,225 feet above sea level amid the Saptashrung mountain ranges, the sacred shrine requires devotees to undertake a challenging 18-kilometre trek. Army personnel recently cleared snow from the route to facilitate movement, though several feet of snow remain in the shrine area.
With Hemkund Sahib’s portals opening, Bhuyandar Valley and Guru Astha Path have once again come alive with pilgrim movement. After winter closure, the valley has regained its vibrancy. Gurudwara Management Committee appealed to devotees to maintain discipline and harmony during pilgrimage, seeking Guru Maharaj’s blessings with devotion.
Hemkund Sahib’s opening marks the beginning of another sacred pilgrimage season for Sikhs in the Himalayas.
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