Hemkund Sahib Yatra begins as shrine doors open for devotees
Babushahi Bureau
Chamoli, (Uttarakhand), May 23, 2026: The annual pilgrimage to Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib officially commenced on Saturday as the sacred shrine’s doors were opened for devotees amid religious fervour and prayers.
Located at an altitude of nearly 15,225 feet in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the revered Sikh shrine welcomed thousands of pilgrims on the first day of the yatra season. More than 3,000 devotees were present during the opening ceremony.
The first group of pilgrims, led by the Panj Pyare, began its journey early in the morning from the Ghagaria base camp and reached Hemkund Sahib for the ceremonial opening of the gurdwara.
Earlier, Sikh devotees had arrived at Gurudwara Gobind Dham, situated at around 10,000 feet above sea level, before proceeding towards the shrine.
The gurdwara was beautifully decorated with nearly five quintals of flowers for the occasion. As per Sikh traditions, the formal installation ceremony of Guru Granth Sahib was carried out inside the sanctum following the opening of the doors.
Religious ceremonies including continuous recitation of Gurbani, devotional hymn singing, Ardas and the reading of the Hukamnama were also organised on the first day of the pilgrimage season.
Officials of the Hemkund Sahib Management Trust said elaborate arrangements have been made for the convenience and safety of devotees visiting the high-altitude shrine during the annual yatra.