Hemkunt Sahib pilgrimage 2024: Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib opens for devotees amid chants of ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’

Hemkunt Sahib pilgrimage 2024: Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib opened for pilgrims on Saturday, with a grand ceremony attended by nearly 2,000 devotees. The event, marked by traditional ‘ardas’ (prayer) and celebrations, signifies the beginning of Hemkunt Sahib pilgrimage 2024.

The pilgrimage officially commenced from the gurdwara complex in Rishikesh on May 22, when the first jatha of pilgrims was flagged off by the Uttarakhand Governor. This jatha reached Gurdwara Gobind Ghat on May 23, where they rested overnight before trekking to Gobind Dham (Ghangharia) on May 24. After an overnight stay, they began their ascent to Hemkunt Sahib early Saturday morning.

By dawn, thousands of devotees from across the globe began arriving at Hemkunt Sahib. The procession, led by the ‘Panj Piaras’ , resonated with the chants of ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ as they made their way to Gurdwara Sahib, performing Shabad Kirtan (devotional singing).

At 9.30 am, gurdwara manager  Gurnam Singh and chief granthi Bhai Milap Singh, alongside the congregation, ceremoniously brought sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji from the resting place to Darbar Sahib. The first ‘hukamnama’ was issued following holy ‘Prakash’. The chief granthi recited Sukhmani Sahib at 10.15 am, followed by Shabad kirtan. Concurrently, Nishan Sahib (holy flag) was also given a fresh cloth covering.

The entire gurdwara premises and Darbar Hall were adorned with flowers and other decorations to mark the beginning of the yatra. Notable attendees included Colonel Virendra Ola and Brigadier MS Dhillon of the 418 Independent Corps of the Indian Army, acknowledging their significant contributions to the pilgrimage preparations.

In an address to the gathering, Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust president Narindrajit Singh Bindra, along with Gurdwara Gobind Ghat manager Seva Singh, urged elderly, young children, and those with health issues to temporarily avoid Hemkunt Sahib yatra due to significant snow cover. They also conveyed government guidelines discouraging filming or creating reels by YouTubers and bloggers at the religious site to prevent inconvenience to other devotees.

Narinderjit Singh Bindra assured devotees they are welcome to embark on the pilgrimage without hesitation to seek Guru Maharaj’s blessings. For those unable to attend, a live broadcast from Hemkunt Sahib is available on PTC Simran from 10 am to 1 pm daily.