With devotional fervor and traditional band music, a large group of Sikh pilgrims departed from Govindghat to Ghangharia on Saturday, led by the Panj Pyare. The event marks the spiritual beginning of the annual pilgrimage to the revered Hemkund Sahib, whose gates will open for devotees on Sunday, May 25.
Over 3,000 pilgrims have already arrived in the area, and more than 500 reached Ghangharia on Friday alone. The religious procession was flagged off from Govindghat Gurdwara after a ceremonial Ardas, accompanied by hymns and enthusiastic chants of devotion.
On Sunday morning, after a night halt in Ghangharia, the pilgrims will head towards Hemkund Sahib. According to Gurudwara manager Seva Singh, the spiritual ceremonies will commence at 7:30 AM with Akhand Path, followed by Shabad Kirtan and Ardas at 7:50 AM.
The pilgrimage will officially begin at 8:00 AM with a Hukamnama, after which the Panj Pyare, dressed in ceremonial attire, will lead thousands of registered devotees towards Hemkund Sahib. More than 4,000 people have registered for the first day of the yatra.
