Uttarakhand CM Dhami flags off Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025 on Sunday, 25th of May

The annual pilgrimage to one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations has started, with the opening of the sacred portals of Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, inaugurated with religious ceremonies, with the arrival of Panj Pyare on the 25th of May. 

Key Insights

• The pilgrimage to the Hemkund Sahib begins in May every year and continues till October. 

• The TNIE quotes it as a challenging pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib that involves a two-stage journey that includes a 3 km trek from Govind Ghat to Pulna, followed by a steep 6 km climb to Ghangria.

• According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, approximately 1,83,000 pilgrims visited Hemkund Sahib in 2024, as a strong turnout, though still below the 2019 record of 2,40,000. 

News from the Archive

The grand opening ceremony was conducted in the presence of Narendrajit Singh Bindra, President of the Hemkund Gurudwara Trust, along with other senior officials. Despite the area being covered with snow, the sacred shrine was opened with traditional rituals at 10 AM on Sunday, and over 5,000 pilgrims witnessed the spiritual processions. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Narinderjeet Singh Bindra stated, "Alongside Shri Hemkund Sahib, the portals of Lokpal Temple, a symbol of Hindu faith, were also opened with customary rituals."

The opening ceremony featured the chanting of Guru Ardas, Shabad Kirtan, and Gurbani, with the yatra being led by the Panj Pyare, symbolizing Sikh spiritual leadership. Preparations for the opening had begun on Saturday to ensure the sacred Gurudwara was ready to welcome pilgrims.

The official launch of this year's yatra began on Thursday when the first batch of pilgrims departed from the Govindghat Gurudwara, located on Lakshman Jhula road in Rishikesh, carrying the holy Nishan Sahib. Uttarakhand Governor and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted the ceremonial flag off for the pilgrims’ group.

Following the traditional pilgrimage route, the group spent the night at Ghangaria Gurudwara before beginning their final ascent to Hemkund Sahib on foot. The next morning, pilgrims departed for the holy destination with chants of ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,’ reaching the Gurudwara where doors were opened at an auspicious time.

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib holds immense significance for Sikh devotees as it is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Standing as one of the world's highest spiritual destinations, the shrine offers peace to countless devotees who undertake the challenging yatra.

Uttarakhand's administration has implemented arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force have been strategically deployed at main stops along the pilgrimage route to assist devotees and handle any emergencies.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the government's commitment to facilitating a smooth pilgrimage experience. "Uttarakhand is honored to welcome pilgrims from across the globe to this divine land. Our administration has worked diligently to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for a smooth and comfortable yatra," he mentioned.

The Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to the pilgrims, acknowledging their spiritual dedication. "This sacred journey is a testament to unwavering faith. We extend our best wishes and prayers for a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees embarking on this path," the Governor stated.