Chandigarh/Uttrakhand, October 10, 2024: The sacred Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, officially closed its gates today for the winter season after a final prayer ceremony. Despite chilly and foggy conditions due to light rain, around 2,800 devotees gathered to offer prayers and receive the blessings of Guru Maharaj Ji.
Pilgrims began arriving early in the morning to take part in the concluding program of the yatra.
Many took a dip in the cold waters of Amrit Sarovar, marking the auspicious occasion. The event began at 9:15 AM with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib by Giani Kulwant Singh and Giani Hamir Singh, which concluded at 10:45 AM.
Devotees were captivated by the soul-stirring Gurbani Kirtan performed by Ragi Jatha Bhai Ajit Singh from Dehradun and Bhai Surinderpal Singh from Pune. The yatra officially ended at 12:05 PM with a closing prayer led by Chief Granthi Bhai Milap Singh. Following the prayer, the air was filled with chants of “Jo Bole So Nihal” as Garhwal Scouts and the Punjab Band Group added to the celebratory atmosphere with their musical performances.
Flowers were showered, and under the guidance of the Panj Pyaras, Guru Sahib Ji’s image was reverently placed at Sukhasan Asthana. Members of the Indian Army’s “418 Independent Engineering Corps,” including Hauldar Harsevak Singh and Hauldar Gurpreet Singh, once again offered their voluntary services, and were honored with siropaos by the Gurdwara management. The Trust also expressed gratitude to S. Amandeep Singh of Gobind Dham and Vinod Rawat, SO of Gobind Ghat, for their support. State Governor, retired Lt. Sardar Gurmeet Singh, visited the shrine on October 9. Gurdwara Chairman Narinderjit Singh Bindra extended his thanks to the Governor, the Uttarakhand Government, and all departments involved for ensuring the successful completion of the yatra.
This year, approximately 2.8 lakh pilgrims registered for the Sri Hemkunt Sahib Yatra, with around 2.62 lakh devotees bowing at the Guru Darbar. Gurdwara management also warmly welcomed thousands of pilgrims from across the world. Sardar Sewa Singh Ji, manager of Gurdwara Gobind Ghat, and Sardar Gurnam Singh, manager of Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib, were present during the closing ceremony.
The Gurdwara Trust looks forward to the continued support of devotees and plans to enhance facilities for future yatra seasons, including improvements in langar, water supply, and accommodations along the pilgrimage route.
