LG Sinha Flags Off Sacred Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra, Calls It a ‘Living Expression of Immortal Faith’
NARANAG (GANDERBAL): Terming the sacred Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage a living embodiment of unshakeable faith and a timeless bridge between India’s ancient spiritual heritage and vibrant modern journey, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual yatra from the historical temple town of Naranag toward Gangbal Lake in the upper reaches of Ganderbal district.
Addressing a gathering of devotees and pilgrims, LG Sinha emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has remained steeped in an uninterrupted stream of spiritual devotion for millennia. He referenced historical chronicles including Kalhana’s Rajatarangini to illustrate the civilizational sanctity embedded across the landscape.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the resilience of devotees, noting that despite rugged mountainous terrain and severe historical challenges, pilgrims have guarded this sacred tradition across generations. Regarded as spiritually equivalent to Haridwar, Gangbal Lake holds deep religious reverence for the Kashmiri Pandit community, serving as a site for ancestral rites and spiritual purification.
Ecological Stewardship: ‘Custodians, Not Masters of Nature’
Highlighting the delicate ecology of the high-altitude route, LG Sinha called on pilgrims to take a conscious pledge to preserve and protect the pristine Himalayan environment in the face of rising climate challenges.
“Himalayan pilgrimages impart two vital lessons: first, that we are not the masters of nature, but its humble custodians; and second, that noble and positive thoughts should guide our pursuit of a harmonious, prosperous society,” he said. He added that spiritual undertakings not only fortify personal character and humility but also help pass cultural and civilizational values to future generations.
Participation in Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Connecting spiritual action with civic duty, the Lieutenant Governor referenced the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, organized to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of dedicated public service. He called upon pilgrims, citizens, and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to actively lead community cleanliness drives, blood donation initiatives, plantation drives, and health outreach camps.
Interacting with reporters after sending off the first contingent, LG Sinha expressed satisfaction over the arrival of pilgrims from across Jammu, Kashmir, and other states. “I convey my warmest wishes to every pilgrim. May the blessings of Lord Shiva bring continuous peace, brotherhood, and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir,” he noted.
The Ganderbal district administration, in coordination with the police, SDRF, and allied departments, has put in place multi-tier security arrangements, healthcare posts, transit facilities, and disaster management teams along the trek from Naranag to Gangbal Lake to ensure smooth passage for the devotees.