Portals of Hemkund Sahib closed for winters

Gopeshwar (Uttarakhand), October 10

The sacred portals of Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Garhwal Himalayas, were closed for winters on Wednesday.

Over 2,000 pilgrims braved the cold weather to take part in the prayers that preceded closure of the gates of the shrine, located at a height of 16,000 feet.    

The gates were closed at 1:30 pm after the traditional prayers concluded.

Utsav Yatra, a 21 km religious foot procession, will go through Ghangariya to reach Govindghat.

Sardar Seva Singh, manager of the Gurdwara Trust, said over two lakh devotees visited the shrine this season.

The gates of Hemkund Sahib are closed every year in October due to heavy snowfall only to be reopened in May-June next year. — PTI