First batch of 3,000 pilgrims leaves for Hemkunt Sahib
JOSHI MATH (UTTARAK HAND ): Led by the ceremonial Panj Piare (the five loved ones of the guru), the first batch of 3,000 devotees have set out for the Sikh shrine Hemkunt Sahib in Uttarakhand from Govindghat on Thursday to pay obeisance on its opening day for the season on Friday.
Around 5,000 pilgrims are expected to be present on the opening day at the shrine (also spelt as Hemkund), at a height of 4,632 metres. Guru Gobind Singh is said to have performed ‘tapasya’ (meditation) at the place, about 17 km from Govindghat on the Badrinath National Highway.
Around 1,100 pilgrims had already left for Ghangaria, the last human habitation on way to the shrine, on May 23.
Pilgrims attended the first ardaas (prayers) at the gurdwara at Govindghat on Thursday and set out for Hemkunt Sahib after receiving the hukamnama (edict). Narinder Jeet Singh Bindra, former chairman of the Uttarakhand Minorities Commission, addressed the devotees before their departure.
They reached Ghangaria on Thursday evening after negotiating a 12-km trek and will climb the final 5-km on Friday morning to be present at the opening ceremony at 10am.
Seva Singh, the varishth parbandhak (senior manager) of the gurdwara management at Govindghat, preparations for the yatra (trip) are almost complete and a large number of pilgrims are expected this year.
A path has been cut through heavy snow and glacier by the army for the final leg of the climb, he added. The region had seen massive damage in flash floods in 2013.
A police camp has already opened at Bhyundar, the last village on the way, to assist the pilgrims, said Tripti Bhatt, superintendent of police, Chamoli.
Bhatt said that in the past there have been complaints of overcharging by mule operators and porters, so they have been instructed to display the rate list at the starting points. Ashish Joshi, district magistrate, Chamoli, also showed his resentment over the slow progress in the restoration work of drinking water posts on the route and instructed the officials concerned to complete it immediately.
Situated near the Himsarovar Lake against the backdrop of snow-clad Himalayas, Hemkunt Sahib is one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the higher Himalayas of Garhwal.
Several Sikh devotees are seen bound for it on bicycles, other two-wheelers, taxis and buses or even on foot from Rishikesh.
Portals of Lokpal Shri Laxman Temple, a Hindu shrine, situated near Hemkunt Sahib, will also open for pilgrims on Friday.