The annual yatra to holy Gangbal lake – the abode of Lord Shiva, has started. The pilgrims have started the yatra and this year due to COVID no flagging off ceremony from Naran Nag took place and yatra size was also curtailed due to ongoing pandemic. The yatra is jointly being organized by Harmukh Ganga Gangabal Trust (HGGT) and team All Parties Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC). The pilgrims left for the yatra after performing pooja at ancient temple of Narannag in Wangath area of Kangan tehsil in Central Kashmir district of Ganderbal. The yatris will trek to Gangabal lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range. The lake is also known as Harmakut Ganga – the Kailash of Kashmir. The Kashmiri Pandits believe and worship it as abode of Lord Shiva from times immemorial. The team members of HGGT and APMCC will also perform ceremonial Chhari Pooja and members will also do `Pind Daan and Shraad’ (religious rituals of the dead at the holy lake on Ganga Ashtami on Wednesday. The yatra which started from Srinagar on August 24 will culminate on August 27. The yatra is conducted under tight security. It may be recalled that the Gangbal Yatra was revived by APMCC on June 2009. The team members who are undertaking this year’s yatra are Anil Bhat, president HGGT, Pradeep Pandita, senior coordinator APMCC-HGGT. The other members of APMCC and HGGT who are also undertaking this year’s yatra are Vinay Kaul, Rajinder Bushan, Rajeev Pandita, Ajay Sharma, Ashutosh Raina, Anil Bushan and Sandeep Kaul. The HGGT-APMCC complimented Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, IGP Kashmir, Commander Sector 3,DC Ganderbal, Commanding Officer 24 RR, SSP Ganderbal for smooth conduct of yatra.
