In view of the pilgrimage to lokpal lashman temple and Hemkund Sahib gurudwara resuming on May 25, the first batch of pilgrims was flagged off from Govindghat in Chamoli district on Wednesday. The State Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj sent off the first group of pilgrims to the Hemkund Sahib gurudwara with a large number of people from the Sikh community starting their journey to the shrine on the occasion. After spending Wednesday night at Ghangharia, the group of pilgrims will reach Hemkund Sahib on Thursday. The portals of Hemkund Sahib and the lakshman temple will be reopened to the public on Thursday after remaining closed during the winter season.
The Cabinet Minister sent off the first batch of pilgrims at 9:30 AM. The pilgrims will reach Hemkund Sahib in time for the reopening of its portals at 9 AM. Earlier, prayers were organised, devotional songs were sung and sacred verses were chanted to mark the occasion at the Govindghat gurudwara. Expressing his good wishes for the pilgrims, the state tourism and culture minister also appealed to the visitors to maintain the cleanliness at the Hemkund-lokpal area. If lack of cleanliness is seen at some spot, the devotees should also make an attempt to keep the place clean. The Minister also cautioned that those who are not in good health should not undertake the yatra. He informed that arrangements are being made for a medical van in Pandukeshwar to provide medical facility to the pilgrims here. The administration has also made all necessary arrangements to prevent any inconvenience to the pilgrims, averred the Minister.