Chamoli, Oct 10: Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, closed its doors on Friday for the winter season, bringing the 2025 pilgrimage to an end. The sacred Himalayan shrine, located near Barfani Lake at an altitude of around 16,000 feet, drew devotees despite fresh snowfall and challenging trekking conditions.
The winter closing ceremony began at 11 a.m. with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, followed by kirtan by Hazuri Ragi Bhai Maninder Singh of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.
After the concluding Ardas, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was carried in a procession to Govind Dham, led by the Panj Pyaras. Devotees joined in chants of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” as around 2,000 pilgrims attended the final rituals.
Sardar Seva Singh, prabandhak of the Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Trust, said the path up to Atlakoti was snow-covered but pilgrims continued to arrive with devotion. “Snow clearing work is underway along the route to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees,” he noted.
This year, approximately 2.72 lakh pilgrims visited Hemkund Sahib, a significant rise from last year’s 1.83 lakh visitors. Trust Chairman Narinder Jeet Singh Bindra expressed his gratitude to devotees who undertook the journey despite difficult weather conditions and advised pilgrims to rely on official sources for travel information rather than social media rumors.
Officials from the Hemkund Sahib Trust, local police, and the State Disaster Response Force were present during the closing ceremony. Bindra also thanked senior state officials, including Governor Gurmeet Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, and DGP Deepam Seth, for their support. Devotees from across India and abroad participated in the ceremony, underscoring the shrine’s universal appeal.
Shri Hemkund Sahib, linked with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is celebrated for its spiritual significance and stunning Himalayan surroundings, including the Valley of Flowers and snow-covered peaks, attracting pilgrims, tourists, and trekkers alike.
