Hemkund Sahib opens to pilgrims after winter break

Chamoli (Uttarakhand) May 25 (IANS) The gates of the famous Sikh shrine Shri Hemkund Sahib were opened for pilgrims after a winter break on Thursday officials here said.

Amid chants praising Guru Govind Singh more than 3 000 pilgrims were witness to the opening of the gates ceremony.

The shrine is near Badrinath after a 14-km steep and arduous trekking. Pilgrims also visit Laxman Lokpal temple situated here.

The first batch of the pilgrims after a night halt moved for the shrine early in the morning from Ghanghariya.

Shabad Kirtan was held at the opening ceremony and the shrine would now remain open for pilgrims for the next six months.

Among others who were present were chief trustee of Hemkund Trust Sardar Janak Singh chairman of the State Minorities Commission Narendrajeet Singh Binder and district officials.

--IANS
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