Gangbal yatra commences in Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Sep 10: The 16th annual Gangbal yatra commenced here in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday .

The pilgrimage to the Harmukh-Gangbal Lake situated at an elevation of 3570 meters started from Naranag area of Kangan in Ganderbal district early Tuesday after the group of pilgrims mostly Kashmiri Pandits was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir Singh.

DIG CRPF, CO 118 Bn CRPF, SSP Ganderbal Wasim Qadri, and other civil and police officials were present on the occasion. The group of pilgrims left from the Naranag temple for annual Harmukh Gangbal yatra amid religious fervour and were accompanied by SDRF team, Police and other officials.

After performing Puja at Naranag temple, devotees set on foot to undertake a 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 Wednesday following which the pilgrims will return the next day. The pilgrimage was organised under the banner of the Harmukh Ganga (Gangabal) Trust (HGGT).

"We are very happy to be part of this yatra which is of great importance for Pandits,” a pilgrim said, adding “We are grateful to the LG administration and Ganderbal civil and police administration and locals for extending their co-operation and support facilitating this yatra."

The District Administration has made all arrangements including accommodation, food, medical and security arrangements for the pilgrims.

Deputy commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir Singh said that the administration has made all security and other arrangements for the yatra. Pertinently, the traditional three-day-long yatra restarted in 2009 after a long period and has been revived as part of efforts to restore historic religious places which are of importance to Kashmiri Pandits and preserve their cultural and religious history, officials said.

Worth to mention that pilgrimage to the Harmukh-Gangbal situated at an elevation of 3570 meters starts annually from the Naranag area of Kangan in Ganderbal district.

After performing Puja at Naranag temple, devotees set on a 15-km journey on foot to Gangabal lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range.

The pilgrims trek to Gangbal via Butchari and Trunkhal. On reaching, sacred puja is performed on the banks of Gangbal lake following which the pilgrims return the next day.

Gangbal is situated in the hills of Harmukh range in north east of Kashmir valley, at a height of 12000 feet on the Ganderbal-Sonamarg road. Gangabal is also called Harmukut Ganga and is believed that this place is as pious as Haridwar where pilgrims perform prayers and immerse ashes of the dead. The route is dotted with several other lakes and temples.