Srinagar, Sep 18 (JKNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra from Naranag in Kangan, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage to the sacred Gangbal Lake in the Harmukh mountain range.
Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad and Kangan MLA Mehar Ali, besides senior police and civil administration officials, were present on the occasion, as per news agency JKNS.
The yatra commenced amid security arrangements put in place by the administration and security agencies for devotees undertaking the trek through the mountainous terrain.
Situated at the foothills of Mount Harmukh, Gangbal Lake is visited annually by Kashmiri Pandits and other devotees. The pilgrimage traditionally begins at Naranag, from where devotees trek through the higher reaches of the Harmukh range.
The three-day pilgrimage covers around 15 kilometres of mountainous terrain. Devotees traditionally assemble at the Naranag temple for Charri Puja before proceeding towards Gangbal Lake.
Following the flag-off, devotees set out from Naranag on Friday for the annual pilgrimage to the sacred lake. (JKNS)