Hemkunt Sahib portals closed for winters

The sacred portals of Hemkunt Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Garhwal Himalayas, were on Saturday closed for winters as over one thousand pilgrims flocked to the high-altitude gurdwara to witness the ceremony.

The sacred portals of Hemkunt Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Garhwal Himalayas, were on Saturday closed for winters as over one thousand pilgrims flocked to the high-altitude gurdwara to witness the ceremony.

The Himalayan shrine is closed annually for the winter season during which the area becomes snow-bound and difficult to access. (HT Photo)

Over 1,500 pilgrims thronged Hemkunt Sahib, which is located at a height of 16,000 ft, to take part in the prayers that preceded closure of its gates at 2 pm, said manager of the Gurdwara Trust Sardar Seva Singh.

The Himalayan shrine is closed annually for the winter season during which the area becomes snow-bound and difficult to access.

A total of 1,72,000 Sikh devotees visited the shrine this season which opened in May. The trek route to the shrine from Govindghat was reduced this year because of construction of a motor road between Pulna and Govindghat.

Pilgrims who reached the shrine to take part in Saturday ceremonies will rest in Ghanghariya on their way back and reach Govindghat on Sunday from where they will leave for their separate destinations, Singh said.