Amritsar, May 22 – The first batch of Sikh pilgrims left for the annual Yatra of Sri Hemkunt Sahib from Gurdwara Sahib in Rishikesh today, which was flagged off by Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmeet Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami. They presented Siropas to the Panj Pyares and the Sikh pilgrims left under the leadership of these Panj Pyares. The gates of Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib will be opened for the pilgrims on May 25.
President of Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust Narinderjit Singh Bindra said that the first batch of Sikh pilgrims left today, which has started this Yatra. He said that the gates of Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib will be opened on May 25 and the first light will be lit on that day to mark the beginning of this annual Yatra. To mark the start of the yatra, the Akhand Path was performed at Gurdwara Rishikesh today and the Raagi Jathas performed Kirtan. After this, the Governor and the Chief Minister presented Siropas to the Panj Pyares leading the Jatha and started this annual yatra.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, while addressing the Sangat, appealed to maintain discipline during the yatra and wished the success of the yatra. He said that all possible necessary arrangements have been made along the route of the yatra for the convenience of the devotees.
During his address, the Governor congratulated the Sikh Sangat on this annual yatra and also made them aware of the history of Sikhism and Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib. He appreciated the arrangements made by the government and the trust regarding the yatra.
Before the function, both the Governor and the Chief Minister paid obeisance at the Guru Ghar and after the function, they also sat in the Langar Ghar and ate Langar. The President of the Managing Trust, Mr. Bindra, honored the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries.