Hemkund Sahib reopened to pilgrims

More than 6,000 Sikh devotees braved early morning drizzle and snowfall to pay obeisance at the Hemkund Sahib on Monday. The gates of <g data-gr-id="19">shrine</g> were reopened on Monday after their closure for winters. The first prayers were offered at the shrine at 9.30am, followed by Sukhwani, Shabad Kirtan and Mukhbhaat.

Guru Gobind Singh (tenth Sikh guru) meditated for long at the Hemkund Sahib located at an altitude of 16,000 ft in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. 

Devotees took a dip in the icy waters of Hemkund Sarovar to take part in the ceremony, Gurudwara manager Seva Singh said.

Over 6,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the shrine on the first day, he said, adding that the entire area was choc-a-bloc with <g data-gr-id="22">snow</g> but devotees can reach the shrine without any obstacles.

With a motor road built between Govindghat and <g data-gr-id="23">Pulna</g>, the 22-km trek to one of the highest and most revered shrines of the Sikhs, has been reduced by four km. Pilgrims from across the country visited the shrine.