Ganderbal, Sep 18 (KNO): Describing Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra as a “living expression of immortal faith” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the pilgrimage from Naranag to the sacred Gangbal Lake in the upper reaches of Ganderbal district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The sacred Yatra represents a bridge between India’s glorious past and vibrant present.”
LG Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has, for millennia, been nourished by an unbroken stream of faith, with its land carrying deep spiritual significance, as highlighted by Kalhana in the Rajatarangini.
Referring to the Nilamata Purana, he said Mount Harmukh, also known as Harmukut, is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Gangbal Lake, situated at an altitude of around 14,500 feet, is regarded as the sacred presence of Mother Ganga.
He said that despite difficult terrain and historical upheavals, devotees have preserved their spiritual bond with the pilgrimage site, which is also associated with paying homage to ancestors and is considered comparable in sanctity to Haridwar.
“I firmly believe that the Harmukh–Gangbal pilgrimage is a living expression of this immortal faith. On the pilgrimage, no one is superior or inferior. All are seekers of truth, united in spirituality. This is the strength of our eternal culture,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha said Himalayan pilgrimages teach humility before nature and inspire noble thoughts, while fostering social harmony.
He also urged pilgrims to pledge to protect nature, particularly in view of climate change and growing environmental challenges.
“I often say that Himalayan pilgrimages teach us two important lessons. First, I am not the master of nature but its custodian. Second, noble and beneficial thoughts should come to us from all directions so that we may make society more prosperous,” he said.
“Pilgrimage gives us that strength and self-confidence. At the same time, it brings us closer to nature. During the journey, we realise that nature is our heritage and that we have a responsibility towards it,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said spiritual journeys such as Harmukh-Gangbal strengthen the nation’s soul and collective consciousness and provide an opportunity to pass the values of the eternal culture to younger generations.
“The Harmukh–Gangbal pilgrimage is also giving us an opportunity to tell our younger generation that our eternal culture represents not only the consciousness of the present but also the direction of the future,” LG Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of continuous public service, and appealed to citizens and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to actively participate in cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, health camps, tree plantation and youth-oriented programmes.
“May the snow-clad peaks of Harmukh inspire us to cultivate lofty thoughts, and may the blessings and compassion of Lord Shiva remain with all the pilgrims,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after flagging off the Yatra, LG Sinha extended his greetings to the devotees and said a large number of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country had arrived to undertake the annual pilgrimage.
“I extend my best wishes to all of them, and I hope that the blessings of this sacred pilgrimage always remain upon the people here. May Jammu and Kashmir continue to move forward on the path of peace and progress,” he said.
A large number of Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the country also reached Naranag to participate in the annual pilgrimage organised by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust.
Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust Founder Chairman and General Secretary Vinod Pandita, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Trust President Anil Bhat, religious heads, senior civil and police officers, security officials, prominent citizens and devotees were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the district administration and concerned departments have put in place necessary arrangements for the pilgrimage, including security measures and essential facilities along the Yatra route.
The annual pilgrimage to Gangbal Lake is considered an important religious journey for Kashmiri Pandits—(KNO)