Extends Greetings to Pilgrims, Prays for Continued Peace and Progress in Jammu & Kashmir
GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 18 :
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra from Naranag in Kangan, formally marking the beginning of the traditional pilgrimage to the sacred Gangbal Lake in the upper reaches of Ganderbal district.
The yatra witnessed the participation of a large number of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir as well as different parts of the country. A sizeable group of Kashmiri Pandits from various regions also reached Naranag to take part in the annual pilgrimage organised by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust.
After flagging off the pilgrimage, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed his greetings and best wishes to all devotees undertaking the arduous journey.
Addressing reporters, LG Sinha said that a large number of pilgrims had assembled to participate in the annual yatra and expressed hope that the sacred pilgrimage would bring blessings and peace to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also prayed for the Union Territory to continue progressing on the path of peace, development and prosperity.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali, besides senior civil administration and police officials.
The annual pilgrimage holds considerable religious and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community, with devotees undertaking the journey to Gangbal Lake, situated at a high altitude in the Harmukh mountain range.
In view of the pilgrimage, the district administration and concerned departments have put in place arrangements along the route to facilitate devotees. Security measures, logistical support and other necessary facilities have also been organised for the smooth conduct of the yatra.
The Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage is among the prominent traditional religious journeys associated with Kashmir’s cultural heritage, with devotees travelling through the mountainous terrain of Naranag before reaching the sacred Gangbal Lake.
The commencement of the yatra once again brought together devotees from different parts of the country in the Kashmir Valley for the annual pilgrimage.