Uttarakhand: The gates of this world-renowned Sikh pilgrimage site were ceremoniously opened for devotees today—Saturday, May 23—at 11:30 AM. More than 3,000 devotees were present to witness this historic occasion.
Led by the *Panj Pyare* (Five Beloved Ones), the first batch of Sikh devotees departed on Saturday morning and arrived at Hemkund Sahib. The entire Lokpal Valley reverberated with chants of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.” The Gurdwara had been magnificently adorned with five quintals of flowers, further enhancing the shrine’s captivating beauty.
Narendrajit Singh Bindra, President of the Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, and Senior Manager Sardar Sewa Singh stated that, in accordance with tradition, the *Guru Granth Sahib* was ceremoniously installed in the *Darbar* (sanctum sanctorum) after being brought from the *Sachkhand*. This was followed by the *Akhand Path* (continuous recitation), *Shabad Kirtan* (hymn singing), *Ardas* (supplication), and the taking of the *Hukamnama* (divine command). A special *Ardas* was held for the devotees on this opening day.
On Friday, May 22, the first batch of devotees—led by the *Panj Pyare* and accompanied by musical bands and the holy *Nishan Sahib* (Sikh flag)—had departed from the Gurdwara. The devotees spent the night at the Ghangharia Gurdwara, following which the group reached Hemkund Sahib on Saturday morning.
To reach this sacred shrine—situated amidst the Saptashring mountain ranges at an altitude of approximately 15,225 feet above sea level—devotees must undertake a strenuous 18-kilometer trek. Army personnel had recently cleared the snow from the pilgrimage route to ensure smooth passage; however, several feet of snow still remain accumulated at the shrine itself.
With the opening of the gates of Sri Hemkund Sahib, the *Guru Astha Path* (Path of Faith) in the Bhundar Valley has once again come alive with the movement of devotees. After the long winter season, vibrancy has returned to the valley, and a festive atmosphere now prevails throughout the entire region. The Gurdwara Management Committee has appealed to devotees to maintain harmony and discipline along the pilgrimage route, conveying a message to seek the blessings of the Guru Maharaj.
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