Inclement weather conditions in Uttarakhand may halt the ongoing Hemkund Sahib yatra, a famous annual Sikh pilgrimage. The yatra was halted for over three hours on Wednesday also, due to heavy snowfall.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, a Western Disturbance has been moving across Jammu and Kashmir, giving rain and snow over the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The holy shrine is situated at an elevation of 15000 feet in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand and has been witnessing light rain and snow for last two to three days.
Since it is a hilly terrain, the pilgrimage becomes risky during such weather. As per the latest forecast by Skymet, the system will continue to give snow and rain over the region for next 48 hours.
The yatra was flagged off on June 1 amidst snow and rainfall, with reportedly over 7000 people undertaking the pilgrimage on the initial day itself.
Every year, lakhs of devotees throng Hemkund Sahib to offer their prayers at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib ji. The annual pilgrimage starts in the month of June and goes on till October. Thereafter, the place becomes inaccessible due to extreme weather conditions in terms of snow bound paths and glaciers.
Image credit: sikhsiyasat.net
