Latest news with #HemkundSahib
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Hemkund Sahib opens for pilgrims, over 4k trek to Himalayan shrine on day 1
Dehradun: The portals of Hemkund Sahib, one of India's most revered Sikh shrines, opened on Sunday, drawing over 4,440 devotees from around the world on the first day of the pilgrimage. Perched at an altitude of 15,200 feet near the Valley of Flowers in the Garhwal Himalayas, the shrine is linked to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who is believed to have meditated at the site in a previous life. The first group of pilgrims began their 6km ascent from Ghangaria, the base camp in Chamoli district, early Sunday morning. Led by the 'panj pyare' (five beloved ones) and gurdwara granthis, the procession reached the shrine and opened its gates around 10 am. To mark the occasion, devotional music filled the air as the Garhwal Scouts band and two bands from Punjab accompanied the procession. Head granthi Milap Singh led the sacred march, carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, on his head from its winter abode to the gurdwara. The Indian Army ensured crowd management and maintained order along the steep and often treacherous route. The day's religious observances began with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, followed by 'kirtan' (devotional singing) performed by Makhan Singh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A collective 'ardas' (prayer) was offered around 12:30 pm. S Narinder Jit Singh Bindra, chairman of the Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust, welcomed the 'sangat' (congregation) and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for clearing snow from the path and aiding access to the shrine. He also lauded state authorities for swiftly building a new bridge after the original structure at Govindghat was destroyed in a March landslide. Throughout the pilgrimage route, personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police provided security and assistance, particularly at glacier crossings and other critical stretches. On the same day, the nearby Lokpal Temple also opened its doors to devotees, further marking the beginning of the sacred season in the region.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Annual pilgrimage season of Hemkund Sahib shrine begins in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: The sacred portals of Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, officially opened to devotees at 10 am on Sunday, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage season. Led by the 'Panj Pyaras', approximately 5,000 devotees gathered to witness the much-anticipated moment. Dedicated to Shri Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, the shrine holds profound spiritual significance for Sikhs. Preparations for the opening began on Saturday with a Shabd Kirtan and the Bhog ceremony of the Akhand Path at the Govindghat Gurudwara. Early Sunday morning, the first batch of pilgrims, led by the 'Panj Pyaras' and accompanied by a band from Punjab and the Army, commenced their journey towards Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat. Chanting "Jo Boley Sonihal, Sat Sri Akaal," groups of devotees, known as 'jathas', made their way up the arduous path before the official opening ceremony.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Portals of Hemkund Sahib shrine opened for devotees
The portals of Hemkund Sahib shrine, a revered centre of faith and pilgrimage for the Sikh community in Chamoli district, were on Sunday, officially marking the start of the annual Hemkund Sahib Yatra, said the officials. 'The devotees (jatha) proceeded towards Hemkund Sahib with fervent chants of Jo Boley Sonihal, Sat Sri Akaal, and at an auspicious moment, the portals of Shri Hemkund Sahib were opened for the devotees and along with this, the portals of Lokpal Temple (Laxman Temple), a symbol of Hindu faith, were also opened for devotees with proper rituals', said NS Bindra, president of Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Trust. Chamoli district police have implemented robust arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth journey of pilgrims. Special teams from the SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) have been deployed at key halts along the Hemkund Sahib Yatra route. Also Read: Uttarakhand: Hemkund Sahib portals closed for winter months Bindra praised the district administration and police for their support in managing the pilgrimage arrangements. Last year, over 2.62 lakh pilgrims visited Hemkund Sahib. In 2023, over 2.4 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine. During the pilgrimage, the devotees take a trek from Pulna, 3km from Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib. After a 6km steep climb, they stay overnight at Ghangria from where they again proceed towards Hemkund Sahib on foot. Hemkund becomes inaccessible from October to April due to snow.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Uttarakhand: All arrangements have been made for Hemkund Sahib yatra, CM Dhami welcomes devotees
Uttarakhand: All arrangements have been made for Hemkund Sahib yatra, CM Dhami welcomes devotees (ANI) DEHRADUN: After the first batch of pilgrims departed for Hemkund Sahib on Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the devotees from across the country and world for the pilgrimage to the revered Sikh shrine near Joshimath in Chamoli district. The portals of Hemkund Sahib, situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above sea level, will open on May 25. The shrine is visited by lakhs of devotees every summer. While speaking with media personnel as the first batch departed for the pilgrimage, CM Dhami said, "The doors of Shri Hemkund Sahib will open on May 25. All the arrangements have been made for the devotees." "I thank PM Modi as the Government of India has approved the ropeway for Kedarnath and Shri Hemkund Sahib... The difficult journey will become very easy in the coming time... We welcome all the devotees coming from across the country and the world...," the chief minister added. Uttarakhand Governor, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), also welcomed the devotees and expressed gratitude to the chief minister and other administration for preparing the arrangements. "We see it as 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. I thank the chief minister, the administration, and the Gurudwara Prabandhak committee for working so hard to make every devotee's visit successful...," by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Morocco (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo the Governor said. Singh also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising the Hemkund Sahib and Kedarnath ropeway projects. Earlier today, CM Dhami urged the people to offer respect and salute Army personnel while on their way to the Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib. He highlighted that over 11 lakh devotees have participated in the Char Dham Yatra so far. He shared this during the flag-off ceremony of the first group of pilgrims embarking on the Hemkund Sahib Yatra from Rishikesh. Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said, "So far, more than 11 lakh devotees have completed their Darshan... The area of Shri Hemkund Sahib has a rich ecosystem. It is our pledge to protect the environment here. We have pledged to make this Yatra plastic-free. You are requested to follow the rules made by the ancestors during the Yatra." Dhami also highlighted the amenities provided by the government for the devotees' convenience.
