Current Summary
The portals of Shri Hemkund Sahib, the high-altitude Sikh shrine in Chamoli district near the Valley of Flowers, have been closed for the winter season, marking the end of this year's pilgrimage. This year's season, which began on May 23, drew a total of 3,84,573 devotees. The closure ceremony on the final day began in the morning with recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, followed by Shabad-Kirtan and a final Ardas in the afternoon. Thousands of devotees, accompanied by a Ragi Jatha, travelled from Govind Dham (Ghangharia) to Hemkund Sahib for the occasion, including a 40-member delegation of Sikh devotees from Pakistan. After the Hukamnama, the Guru Granth Sahib was ceremonially escorted from the shrine. The shrine sits at an elevation of over 15,000 feet and is typically accessible only during the warmer months before heavy snowfall sets in. The reopening schedule for next year has not been reported.
What We Know
- The portals of Shri Hemkund Sahib have been closed for the winter season.
- The shrine is located in Chamoli district at high altitude.
- This year's pilgrimage season drew 3,84,573 devotees, from May 23 until the winter closure.
- The closure ceremony included recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, Shabad-Kirtan and a final Ardas, with a 40-member Sikh delegation from Pakistan among those present.
What Is Still Unclear
- Exact closure date and any ceremony held.
- Reopening date for the next pilgrimage season.
What Changed
- 10 Oct, 12:40 pmNew details have emerged on the closure ceremony: a total of 3,84,573 devotees visited Hemkund Sahib during this year's pilgrimage season, which began on May 23. The portals were closed amid traditional rituals including Sukhmani Sahib recitation, Shabad-Kirtan and a final Ardas, with a 40-member delegation of Sikh devotees from Pakistan among those present. The Guru Granth Sahib was ceremonially escorted from the shrine after the closure.
- 10 Oct, 09:30 amSignal detected: Hemkund Sahib Portals Closed for Winter Season
Background
Hemkund Sahib, associated with Guru Gobind Singh, is one of the highest Sikh shrines in the world and draws large numbers of pilgrims each year during the summer and early autumn months before winter snow closes access.