Uttarakhand: First batch of pilgrims leave for Hemkund Sahib, portals to open on May 23

The first batch of Sikh pilgrims left Govindghat in Chamoli district for Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib on Friday ahead of the opening of the shrine's portals.

The portals of the Himalayan Sikh shrine will open for devotees on Saturday after remaining closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather.

Traditional rituals were carried out as the batch departed from Govindghat near Badrinath.

Band tunes and the 'Nishan Sahib', the sacred flag of the Sikh faith, accompanied the devotees and slogans of ''Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal'' echoed through the area. The 'Panj Pyaras' led the batch of pilgrims.

Pilgrims will halt tonight at Ghangharia around 14 km from Govindghat on Friday before proceeding to Hemkund Sahib on Saturday morning.

The management committee will open the portals of Hemkund Sahib following the arrival of the first batch. 'Ardas' prayers and other rituals will mark the opening ceremony.

Chamoli police said security arrangements are in place for a safe and orderly pilgrimage, with personnel deployed along the entire pilgrimage route.

The trek to Hemkund Sahib starts from Govindghat, which is 15 km before Badrinath, and involves an 18 km foot journey to the shrine.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)