Doors of Hemkund Sahib, Lokpal Laxman temple will open on 20 May 2023
The doors of Hemkund Sahib will open on 20 May 2023. The Sri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust has started preparations for the Hemkund Yatra.
This year there is much snow around the Hemkund Sahib Dham, but the weather is favorable. Therefore, in April itself, the army team will start the work of removing snow from the path of Hemkund Sahib Dham. With this, the journey can be started by 20 May.
Located at an altitude of 15000 feet above sea level, the Hemkund Sahib was built near a lake where 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singh is said to have meditated. Pilgrims have started enquiring about the Hemkund Sahib Yatra which forecasts the good yatra season. Facilities of food and lodging will be given for pilgrims on the road route between Rishikesh and Hemkund Sahib.
First Batch of Pilgrims from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib
On 18 May, first batch of Sikh pilgrims embark on the revered Hemkund Sahib Yatra from Rishikesh. The group, comprising devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, set off on Wednesday from Gurdwara on Laxmanjhula Road, Rishikesh, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey for approximately 250 passengers.
The Governor, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, accompanied by several cabinet ministers, graced the occasion and bid farewell to the pilgrims with warm greetings. Prior to the departure, they participated in an Ardas, a Sikh prayer, along with the devotees at the Gurudwara, seeking divine blessings for a safe and fulfilling journey.
However, it was announced that sick individuals aged 60 years and above would no longer be permitted to undertake the Hemkund Sahib Yatra, ensuring the well-being and health of the devotees.
The Hemkund Sahib Yatra holds immense significance for Sikhs, who consider it a sacred pilgrimage to the high-altitude Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. This spiritual journey is characterized by devotion, self-reflection, and a deep connection to their faith.
As the first batch of pilgrims embarked on this divine expedition, it marked the beginning of a season filled with devotion and reverence. The Yatra is expected to witness an influx of pilgrims from various parts of the country, fostering a sense of unity and shared spirituality.
The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is not only a personal endeavor for the devotees but also an opportunity to connect with fellow believers, strengthen their bond with Sikhism, and experience the tranquility of the Himalayan region. With each passing year, the Yatra continues to attract a growing number of pilgrims, illustrating the enduring devotion and significance of Hemkund Sahib in the Sikh community.
The first batch’s departure from Rishikesh signifies the commencement of this spiritual odyssey, offering a chance for devotees to embark on a transformative journey filled with faith, devotion, and introspection.
Helicopter service for Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage from Govindghat to start from May 20
Starting from May 20, a convenient helicopter service to Hemkund Sahib will be available for pilgrims traveling from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. The helicopter will transport passengers from Govindghat to Kanjila (Ghangaria) in just five minutes, opposite to Hemkund Sahib Trek which takes around 7-8 hrs. From there, pilgrims can proceed to Hemkund Sahib on foot or choose to ride on horseback or mules for the remaining eight kilometers.
The fare for the helicopter service has been fixed at Rs 2975 per pilgrim, providing an accessible and time-efficient option for devotees making the journey to the revered Hemkund Sahib. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience and facilitate the pilgrimage for those seeking to pay their respects at this sacred site nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Published Date: May 18, 2023
