Chamoli (Uttarakhand): The first batch of 650 pilgrims led by Panch Pyare left for the Hemkund Sahib shrine on Friday. The first lot of Sikh devotees left Govindghat for Ghagaria amid the playing of the musical bands. After the recitation of religious songs, kirtans and offering prayers to Guru Granth Sahib at Govindghat, the pilgrims undertook the journey for Hemkund Sahib.
Narendrajit Singh Bindra, vice-president of the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara Management Committee, said, "The first batch of Sikh pilgrims left for Sri Hemkund Sahib carrying the Nisan (holy insignia) along with them. The first batch of pilgrims left for Hemkund Sahib shrine amid tight police security arrangements. Sikh devotees departed from Govindghat after offering prayers at the Gurdwara there. After making an overnight stay at the Gurdwara in Ghangharia, the pilgrims will march towards Hemkund Sahib shrine."
