The holy Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, will officially close its portals for the winter season at 2 PM today.
A large number of devotees are arriving at Hemkund Sahib on this sacred occasion to offer their final prayers and witness this spiritual moment. All necessary preparations have been completed by the Hemkund Sahib Trust.
The closure process will begin at 10 AM with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib. This will be followed by the final Ardas of the year, after which the shrine will be closed for the winter.
The closing ceremony of the gurudwara, located near the picturesque Barfani Lake amid snow-capped peaks at an altitude of approximately 16,000 feet above sea level in Chamoli district, began at 11 am and was followed by kirtan and traditional prayers.
Due to inclement weather over the last few days, there was fresh snow in Hemkund Sahib and the surrounding areas, covering the footpath leading to Hemkund up to Atlakoti, causing difficulties in commuting.
Despite this, hundreds of devotees reached Hemkund Sahib on the occasion of the closing ceremony and paid obeisance.
Officials of the Hemkund Sahib Trust as well as members of the local police administration were present on the occasion, the authorities said.
Sardar Seva Singh, prabandhak of the Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Trust, told PTI that despite the area up to Atlakoti being covered in snow, enthusiastic devotees reached Hemkund Sahib.
He said that more than 2,000 devotees were present on this occasion. He added that snow removal work is being done on the route for the convenience of the pilgrims.
This year, till Thursday, 2,72,423 devotees reached Shri Hemkund Sahib, whereas last year a total of 1,83,722 pilgrims had paid obeisance at the gurudwara.
According to sources, the number of visitors to these shrines this year has been higher compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, pilgrims from across India and abroad have already reached Ghangharia for the winter closure.
The rituals will begin at the Gurudwara at 10 AM after the chanting of Sukhmani Path. Hemkund Sahib Trust chairman Narendrajeet Singh Bindra said that all arrangements have been made for the ceremonial closure of the Gurudwara. Similarly, preparations have also been completed for the ritual closure of the Lokpal Lakshman Mandir on the same day.
Chamoli district magistrate Sandeep Tiwari said that while 1.70 lakh people had visited Hemkund Sahib in the previous year, at least 2.72 lakh have visited the Gurudwara this year.