Suspension of Hemkund Sahib Yatra in Uttarakhand as snowfall blankets the route

Published on: May 26, 2023, 18:11:13 IST

ANI | Posted by Akanksha Agnihotri, Chamoli

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Due to snow lying on the Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra route and alert of heavy rains and in view of the safety of the devotees, the Yatra of Shri Hemkund Sahib has been stopped. (Wikipedia)

As per the authorities, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has been mobilized to ensure a secure and hassle-free pilgrimage for all the devotees.

The Yatra of Shri Hemkund Sahib, the Sikh shrine in Uttarakhand, was temporarily stopped on Friday due to snow lying on the Yatra route, Chamoli police in Uttarakhand said. In a tweet, Chamoli police cautioned devotees to stop at safe places in view of an alert of heavy rains on Friday.

"Due to snow lying on the Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra route and alert of heavy rains and in view of the safety of the devotees, the Yatra of Shri Hemkund Sahib has been stopped tomorrow on 26/05/2023. Please stop at a safe place and wait for instructions. @Hemkunt_Fdn," tweeted Chamoli police in Uttarakhand.

The portal of Hemkund Sahib opened for devotees on May 20 earlier in the month. The trekking route from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is covered with snow, Chamoli police said on Friday.

"There has been a lot of snowfall in the recent past due to which the trekking route from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is completely covered with snow Latest view of Hemkund Sahib Yatra route- @DIGGarhwalRange @Hemkunt_Fdn @uttarakhandcops," tweeted Chamoli police.

According to the Chamoli administration, State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has been deployed for the smooth and safe journey of all the devotees. Earlier in the month, Officials said that a ban was imposed on the travel of children and elders above 60 years of age in view of heavy snow in Hemkund Sahib.

"Due to seven to eight feet of snow in Hemkund Sahib, a ban has been imposed on the travel of children and elders above 60. The doors of Hemkund Sahib are opening on May 20," read the official notice then. The literal meaning of the Hemkund Sahib is "Lake of Snow" and it is the highest Gurudwara in the world with a height of 4633 meters above sea level.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.