Dehradun, May 22 -- After the first batch of pilgrims departed for Hemkund Sahib on Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the devotees from across the country and world for the pilgrimage to the revered Sikh shrine near Joshimath in Chamoli district.

The portals of Hemkund Sahib, situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above sea level, will open on May 25. The shrine is visited by lakhs of devotees every summer.

While speaking with media personnel as the first batch departed for the pilgrimage, CM Dhami said, "The doors of Shri Hemkund Sahib will open on May 25. All the arrangements have been made for the devotees."

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