Mussoorie, May 23 -- The first batch of Sikh devotees (sangat) from the gurdwara at Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh, to Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli district, was flagged off by governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh and chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday. The shrine will open for devotees on May 25. The ceremony marked the departure of the first group of pilgrims (Jatha), led by the "Panj Pyare" (five beloved ones). For this special occasion, the gurdwara premises and darbar hall were adorned with flowers, lights, and other decorations. NS Bindra, president of Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara trust, said, "Devotees gathered at the Gurudwara premises since early morning, eager to embark on the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage and following the welcome ceremony, the governor offered prayers in the darbar hall and presented 'siropa' (robes of honour), 'prasad' (holy offering), and mementos to Sikh devotees." He also presented the governor and chief minister with a photograph of Hemkund Sahib shrine. Earlier, in his address, Dhami appealed to the devotees to maintain the sanctity and dignity of the pilgrimage and invited them to visit all the Char Dhams, urging adherence to guidelines and safety norms . The governor also addressed the devotees, providing information about Sikhism and the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. This shrine situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above sea level, has emerged as a popular centre of Sikh pilgrimage which is visited by lakhs of devotees from all over the world every summer. Hemkund is inaccessible because of snow from October to April. A 1,100-metre climb on a six kilometre stone-paved path leads to the Hemkund Sahib shrine....