Latest news with #HemkundSahibYatra
India Today
26-05-2025
- India Today
Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025: Travel guidelines and what pilgrims need to know
On May 25, 2025, the sacred doors of Hemkund Sahib were ceremoniously opened. The inaugural procession, led by the 'panj pyare' (five beloved ones) and gurdwara granthis, commenced from Ghangaria, the base camp in Chamoli district. Accompanied by devotional music from the Garhwal Scouts and Punjab bands, the procession reached the shrine around 10 a.m. Head granthi Milap Singh carried the Guru Granth Sahib into the gurdwara, initiating religious observances including recitations, kirtan, and a collective OF HEMKUND SAHIBHemkund Sahib is a prominent Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who is believed to have meditated at this location in a previous gurdwara is situated beside a glacial lake, surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned with Nishan Sahib flags. Its serene and remote setting offers devotees a place for reflection and spiritual ROUTE AND TRAVEL TIPS The journey to Hemkund Sahib begins at Govindghat, approximately 275 km from Rishikesh. Pilgrims undertake a 13 km trek to the village of Ghangaria (also known as Govind Dham), which serves as the base Ghangaria, a further 6 km steep ascent leads to the gurdwara. The trek can be challenging due to the high altitude and rugged advisable for pilgrims to acclimatise properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).advertisementHelicopter services are available between Govindghat and Ghangaria for those seeking an alternative to AND FACILITIESThroughout the pilgrimage route, security and assistance are provided by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police, especially at glacier crossings and other critical stays are not permitted at Hemkund Sahib; therefore, pilgrims are encouraged to begin their descent by 2 p.m. to return to Ghangaria before dusk. Accommodation options in Ghangaria include gurdwaras offering shelter, as well as hotels and ATTRACTIONS: VALLEY OF FLOWERSApproximately 3 km from Ghangaria lies the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its diverse valley is in full bloom during July and August, offering a vibrant display of alpine often combine their visit to Hemkund Sahib with a trek to this picturesque on the Hemkund Sahib Yatra is both a spiritual and physical are encouraged to prepare adequately, respect the natural environment, and immerse themselves in the profound serenity of this sacred site.
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.
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand: CM Dhami and Governor Gurmeet Singh flag off first batch of pilgrims for Hemkund Sahib Yatra
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 22 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Governor, Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmeet Singh, on Thursday, flagged off the first batch of pilgrims going to Hemkund Sahib Yatra led by the Panj Pyaras from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. During the event, the chief minister and the governor congratulated the first batch of Sangats and wished them a smooth, safe journey. The governor said that the journey to Hemkund Sahib is a symbol of faith, devotion and belief. The difficult journey of about 18 kilometres to this pilgrimage located at an altitude of 15,000 ft is a test of every devotee's patience, courage and faith. Recalling the contribution of Sikh Gurus, Governor Singh remarked that 'self-respect, courage, sacrifice, hard work and service' are the fundamental pillars of the Sikh tradition. The Governor also said that the government is constantly striving to make the Hemkund Sahib Yatra simpler, easier and safer. He appreciated the preparations made by the administration and the Gurudwara Management Committee on the Yatra routes and appealed to all the devotees to adopt plastic-free travel and promote the 'Vocal for Local' campaign by prioritising local products. Additionally Governor thanked the Gurudwara Management Committee, sevadars, administrative officers, and security forces associated with the Yatra organisation for their continuous efforts and wished the Yatra success. While speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Yatra of Hemkund Sahib is a unique confluence of religious and spiritual culture of the state of Uttarakhand. Hemkund Sahib is the centre of faith of the Sikh community. This land is still the centre of divine energy. Every devotee experiences spiritual peace and new consciousness by visiting Hemkund Sahib. CM Dhami said that despite the difficult terrain and weather, thousands of devotees participate in this Yatra every year. So far, more than 60 thousand devotees have registered for Hemkund Sahib. Also, more than 30 lakh devotees have registered for the Char Dham Yatra. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is making the Hemkund Sahib Yatra simple and easy. In the coming days, this journey will be completed in a very short time. He said that the state government has constructed a valley bridge at Govindghat for a smooth journey, and a permanent bridge will soon be constructed. For the convenience of travellers, railings, signboards, medical camps, drinking water, and hot water have also been arranged on the travel route. He wished all the devotees going on the Yatra. During the program, an upgraded version of the AI-powered chatbot 'Eternal Guru' was also demonstrated. This chatbot is based on Gurbani, which can convey the spiritual guidance and teachings of Guru Granth Sahib to the people through technology. Uttarakhand Technical University has developed this chatbot in collaboration with Hemkund Sahib Management Trust. (ANI)
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand: All arrangements have been made for Hemkund Sahib yatra, CM Dhami welcomes devotees
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 22 (ANI): 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...,' 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. (ANI)
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.
