Ganderbal, Sept 18 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra from Naranag in Kangan, marking the commencement of the pilgrimage to the sacred Gangbal Lake.
Speaking to reporters after flagging off the yatra, LG Sinha, as per the news agency, said a large number of devotees 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.
Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali and senior civil and police officers were present on the occasion. 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.
Meanwhile, the district administration and concerned departments have made necessary arrangements for the pilgrimage, including security measures and other facilities along the yatra route.
The annual yatra to Gangbal Lake, located in the upper reaches of Ganderbal district, is considered an important pilgrimage for Kashmiri Pandits.
