Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2024: Doors of Gurdwara Hemkund Sahib to open on May 25
Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2024: The doors of Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, will be ceremoniously opened for devotees on May 25. However, the pilgrimage officially commenced on Wednesday from Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib, Laxman Jhula Road, Rishikesh.
Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General (Retired) Sardar Gurmit Singh Ji flagged off the first batch of pilgrims, led by the Panj Piare (five beloved ones). On this special occasion, the Gurdwara complex and the Darbar Hall were adorned with flowers and other decorations, enhancing the beauty and grandeur of the Gurdwara and captivating everyone present.
In the early morning, devotees began gathering in the Gurdwara complex to embark on the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. At 12:25 pm, the Governor arrived at the Gurdwara complex, where he was warmly welcomed by the Gurdwara Trust and other dignitaries. Among those present were Mata Mangla Ji and Bhole Ji Maharaj from Hans Foundation/Hans Cultural, Padma Shri Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji (MP), Chidanand Ji Maharaj from Parmarth Niketan, Mahant Vatsal Prappann Sharma Ji from Bharat Mandir, Dinesh Chandra Shastri Ji, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, and Brahmaswaroop Brahmachari from Jairam Ashram.
The Governor and the saints were offered the siropa, prasad and mementoes in the Darbar Hall. Before the first batch departed, he honoured the Panj Piare along with all the visitors. Following this, the first batch was sent off under the leadership of the Panj Piare with a shower of flowers, the sound of band music, and the cheers of "Jo Bole So Nihal."
Prior to this, all the religious figures and other dignitaries paid their respects to Guru Darbar and received blessings from Guru Maharaj. The congregants were mesmerized by the Gurbani Kirtan performed by the kirtan jathas and the students of Gurmat Sangeet Bal Vidyalaya in the Darbar Hall. Subsequently, the Governor addressed the gathering, providing insights into the Sikh faith and the significance of the Shri Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. He prayed for a smooth and auspicious journey and expressed happiness at the arrangements made for the pilgrims by the administration and the trust. Before departing from Rishikesh Gurudwara, the Governor also partook in the langar in the Langar Hall.
On this auspicious religious occasion, along with the townspeople, other notable individuals present in the Gurdwara complex included Baba Gurdeep Singh from Kashipur, Baba Nidhan Singh from Dhuri (Punjab), Baba Gurbhej Singh from Noida, Baba Jagdev Singh, Simar Singh (Sikh historian), Govind Singh (President of Gurdwara Singh Sabha), Harshvardhan Sharma, Mahant Balbir, Jagmohan Saklani, Bachan Pokhriyal, S.S. Bedi, Madan Mohan Sharma, Usha Rawat, Boota Singh, and distinguished persons from Nirmal Ashram and other institutions.
- PTC NEWS
