8,000 pilgrims witness Hemkund shrine opening

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 25

Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand opened after winter break amidst presence of 8,000 pilgrims on Friday

The proceedings started with the Sukhmani Path following opening of the portal. The portals were opened at 10 am which was followed by ‘ardas’. Many pilgrims took the holy dip in the ice cold water of the lake. The Hemkund is linked to the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Hemkund Sahib Management Trust vice-president Narendrajeet Singh Bindra said that it was after many years that such a large number of pilgrims had come to witness the opening of portals of Hemkund Shrine. 

The Lokpal temple in close vicinity was also opened for pilgrims at around 9 am after long winter break. With the opening of portals of Hemkund, Char dham yatra in Uttarakhand has gained momentum.