:dateline:Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib is set to open on May 25 and welcome devotees from different parts of Punjab, India and abroad. �As per information provided by the Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust, all preparations have been completed to welcome Sikh pilgrims.
In the past few weeks, the Indian Army has almost completed making way out of snow for the Sangat to reach the Gurdwara Sahib. �All routes have been decorated to welcome the pilgrims. �The decoration of Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib, and other Gurdwara en-route to the shrine is being completed by volunteers from different parts of the country.
Pilgrimage to Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib is a major source of revenue for the state of Uttrakhand in India. �Several travel agencies in the state are also gearing up for providing tours and accommodations to the influx of devotees here. �A jatha of 400 Sikhs will arrive at Srinagar tomorrow to leave for Sri Hemkunt Sahib yatra.
Uttrakhand Power Department has also completed electricity supply work at Hemkunt Sahib. �In order to ensure smooth operations for this winter, a team of 10 personnel had been working for the last one month to ensure�adequate arrangements are made to provide electricity at the shrine.
Every year, thousands of devotees visit Sri Hemkunt Sahib during summer. �Due to its location and extreme weather condition, Hemkund Sahib remains closed for almost six months in a year. �The shrine typically closes when the winter sets in and opens towards end of May.
