17th annual Gangbal Yatra begins from Naranag

Ganderbal : The 17th Annual Gangbal Yatra, also referred to as the “Kailash of Kashmir,” commenced on Saturday with a flag-off ceremony at Naranag in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, officials said here.

According to the news agency, the yatra takes pilgrims to Harmukh Gangbal Lake, situated at an altitude of 14,500 feet in the Harmukh range.

The pilgrimage, which was revived in 2009 after being dormant for over 150 years, is organised by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust (HGGT), led by Vinod Pandit. Since its revival, the yatra has been held annually without interruption.

The yatra started with the Charri Pooja ceremony at Naranag. The event was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, officers from 2 Assam Rifles and CRPF, and SDM Kangan.

Speaking about the yatra, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the local community has played a consistent role in reviving and continuing the Gangbal Yatra.

He stated that this year, like previous ones, the police and Army are facilitating the pilgrimage. He conveyed his best wishes to all the pilgrims and acknowledged the support team led by the SSP, as well as the Army personnel stationed at Tringpul.

He also expressed hope that such pilgrimages would continue in the future across Kashmir.

The trust has made arrangements for pilgrims with the assistance of the civil administration, police, CRPF, and Army. Free services include langar (meals at various points along the route, including high-altitude locations), sleeping bags, pony services, registration cards, and arrangements for priests at the Gangbal Lake.

The organizing team includes Vinod Pandit, Vinay Kaul, Pradeep Pandita, Vinod Tikoo, Vicky Bhan, Ajay Sharma, Ajay Raina, Rajinder Bushan, Avtar Bhat, and Sajan Ji.

This year marks the 17th edition of the yatra since its revival. The organisers expressed gratitude to the district administration, security forces, and local residents of Naranag for their cooperation and logistical support—(KNO)