KASHMIR NEWS ZONE CORRESPONDENT
Ganderbal Aug 25 (KNZ) :The annual yatra to Gangbal lake, which Kashmiri Pandits consider as the abode of Lord Shiva, has started.
The pilgrims have started the yatra and this year due to Covid no flagging off of Yatra from Naranag took place and Yatra size was also curtailed due to ongoing Covid pandemic.
“The Team members of HGGT and Team APMCC have set out for the yatra after the puja at Naranag. Members 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 Team members of HGGT and Team APMCC will also perform ceremonial Chhari Pooja and members will also do pind daan and shraad at the lake falling on August 26 I. E on Ganga Ashtami ”
The Yatra has started on Aug 24 and will culminate on 27 August. “The Yatra is conducted under Tight security .
It may be recalled that The Gangbal Yatra was revived after 200 years 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 thanked Divisional commissioner Kashmir,IGP Kashmir, Commander Sector 3,DC Ganderbal, Commanding officer 24 RR, SSP Ganderbal for smooth conduct of Yatra.KNZ
