Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 22: The Harmukh-Gangabal yatra commenced today in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, with a group of pilgrims, primarily Kashmiri Pandits, embarking on their journey from the Naranag temple in the Kangan area of the district.
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The yatra, also accompanied by security forces personnel, commenced with a Puja ceremony held at the Naranag temple. Present at the ceremony were not only the pilgrims but also officials from the district administration and the police.
While the yatra was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir Singh, it leads to the Harmukh-Gangabal Lake, nestled at an elevation of over 3,500 meters.
Following the Puja, the pilgrims began their 36-kilometer trek to Gangabal Lake, which is situated at an awe-inspiring altitude of approximately 14,000 feet in the Harmukh mountain range.
Officials stated that upon reaching the destination, sacred rituals will be performed by the devotees on the banks of Gangabal Lake on Saturday, with the pilgrims starting the downward journey.
It is important to note that the Harmukh Ganga (Gangabal) Trust (HGGT) has organized this pilgrimage in collaboration with the district administration and local communities.
Devotees on the occasion attested that this is the 13th Annual Yatra, which has been observed for nearly a century, experiencing a revival in 2009.
Deputy Commissioner commended those involved in organizing the yatra for preserving this age-old tradition. He stated, “We have increased the rates for ponywalas and are simultaneously working to enhance the area’s appeal to tourists, considering its natural beauty.”
Avtar Krishan Bhat, a devotee, shared details about the yatra, mentioning that after the Puja at Naranag, pilgrims embark on their journey towards Gangabal, emphasizing that the yatra begins on the auspicious occasion of Gangashtami.
He expressed, “We have been performing this yatra for nearly a century, with a revival in 2009 under the Harmukh-Gangbal trust. For us, it is an auspicious occasion that teaches us about water resource conservation.”
Triloki Nath Pandita explained that Naranag serves as the base camp for the yatra, and from there, the journey begins with a challenging nine-kilometer trek, characterized by steep slopes.
He highlighted the significance of Gangbal in Kashmir, likening it to Haridwar. He stated, “Gangbal holds the same importance for us as Haridwar does for people from the rest of the country, as we also immerse the ashes of our deceased there.”.
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