The annual Gangbal Yatra—a revered pilgrimage to the high-altitude Harmukh-Gangbal Lake—commenced on Saturday in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, with devotees setting out on the sacred journey amid religious fervor and administrative support.
The pilgrimage, largely attended by Kashmiri Pandit devotees, was formally flagged off from the historic Naranag temple in Kangan by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, CO 118 Bn CRPF, and several other civil and police officers.
Accompanied by teams of Police, Army, CRPF, and SDRF, the pilgrims performed rituals at the Naranag temple before beginning their uphill trek to the sacred Gangbal Lake, nestled at an elevation of 14,500 feet in the majestic Harmukh mountain range.
According to officials, the devotees will perform the main puja on the banks of Gangbal Lake on Sunday, after which the group is expected to return the following day. The pilgrimage is being organized under the banner of the Harmukh Ganga (Gangbal) Trust (HGGT).
“We feel blessed to be part of this yatra, which holds immense spiritual significance for the Pandit community. We are thankful to the administration, police, and the local people for their cooperation and support in facilitating the pilgrimage,” said one of the pilgrims.
The district administration has put elaborate arrangements in place, including accommodation, food, medical facilities, and security, to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra.(KINS)
