Kangan, Sep 18: The annual Harmukh Gangbal Yatra commenced from the historic Naranag temple in the Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Friday, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officially flagging off the pilgrimage.
The ritual pilgrimage to the high-altitude Gangbal Lake, nestled at 14,500 feet at the foot of Mount Harmukh, carries immense spiritual reverence for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, Principal Secretary to the LG, Mandeep K Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IG Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal , Representatives of Harmukh Gangbal Trust besides senior officers of civil and police were present on the occasion.
LG Sinha extended his warm greetings to the gathering of pilgrims, community leaders, and local residents. Addressing the devotees before their ascent along the steep Himalayan trail, Sinha highlighted the Union Territory administration’s commitment to preserving Kashmir’s ancient civilizational heritage, fostering communal harmony, and ensuring seamless safety for pilgrims.
The group of pilgrims left from the Naranag temple for Annual Harmukh Gangbal yatra amid religious fervor and were accompanied by SDRF team, Police, Medical and other officials. After performing Puja at Naranag temple, devotees set on foot to undertake journey to Gangabal Lake , which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range.
According to officials, the sacred puja would be performed on the banks of Gangbal lake on Saturday following which the pilgrims will return the next day. The pilgrimage organized under the banner of the Harmukh Ganga (Gangabal) Trust (HGGT) with the support of District Administration Ganderbal.
“We are very happy to be part of this yatra which is of great importance for Pandits,” a pilgrim Sunil Ji said, adding “we are grateful to the civil and police administration and locals for extending their co-operation and support facilitating this yatra.”
District Administration has made all arrangements including accommodation, food, medical and security arrangements for the pilgrims. Organized under the auspices of the Harmukh Ganga (Gangabal) Trust (HGGT) and supported by the Ganderbal District Administration, the pilgrimage continues to serve as an important bridge of faith and cultural preservation in the Kashmir Valley.
