Hemkund yatra from May 25, registration begins

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, May 20

Sri Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage centres situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above the sea level in Chamoli district, will begin on May 25. The Hemkund Trust has begun the registration exercise at Rishikesh for pilgrims who are interested to visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara.

The selection process of volunteers or sewadars is nearing completion. They have been assigned tasks at various gurdwaras en route to Hemkund Sahib.

Janak Singh, secretary of the trust, said the staff of the trust along with government employees had made adequate arrangements for the pilgrims to ensure that the yatra to Hemkund Sahib is a success.

He said the yatra would begin from Rishikesh. Pilgrims would be registered biometrically so that their records were available with the trust in case of any emergency, he added.

Lucky Singh, manager of a gurdwara at Srinagar, said they were ready to provide facilities to pilgrims. Arrangements had been made for the stay of 600 pilgrims every day during the yatra season at Srinagar, he added. Sewa Singh, manager of the gurdwara at Govind Ghat, said the stay and food arrangements for around 4,500 pilgrims had been completed. The gurdwara constructed this year would also serve pilgrims. Medical arrangements had been made and the routes had been upgraded for the benefit of pilgrims, he said.

“Vehicles can now go till four km reducing the trek to Hemkund Sahib considerably. A foundation stone for a new 140-m bridge will be laid on May 25. A hanging bridge and electric trolley has been installed for the convenience of pilgrims,” said Sewa Singh.

He appealed to the pilgrims to bring their medicines and warm clothes as the weather could change any moment.