Closing of the Sacred Hemkund Sahib: A Winter Farewell

The Hemkund Sahib gurudwara, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, has closed for the winter, accompanied by traditional ceremonies and over 2,500 devotees. The event included government and religious leaders, and marked another successful pilgrimage season with over 183,000 visitors this year.

The revered Hemkund Sahib gurudwara in the Garhwal Himalayas closed its doors for the winter season, drawing over 2,500 pilgrims to its final rituals on Thursday.

This significant Sikh shrine, perched at an elevation of approximately 16,000 feet and encircled by snow-capped peaks, commenced its closing ceremony early Thursday morning.

Leading the event were Narinderjit Singh Bindra, president of the Shri Hemkunt Sahib Gurudwara Management Committee, and other committee members alongside administrative cadres.

Following the ceremony, attendees returned to Ghangaria and Govindghat, chanting spiritual hymns.

The annual pilgrimage operated smoothly, aided by the cooperation of local residents and authorities, as highlighted by Hemkunt Sahib Trust manager Sardar Seva Singh.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari appreciated the orderly conduct of the yatra, noting 183,722 devotees paid their respects during the season, a slight increase from last year's 177,463 visitors.

On the eve of the closure, Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmeet Singh also visited the shrine to offer his prayers.

(With inputs from agencies.)