Manoj Sinha launches annual pilgrimage to sacred Gangbal Lake, calls it a “living expression of eternal faith”; urges pilgrims to pledge protection of nature amid climate change; MP Mian Altaf, Kangan MLA Mehar Ali, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir attend
Ganderbal, Sep 18 (BuzzBytes): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage from Naranag in Ganderbal, describing the yatra as a “living expression of eternal faith” and a symbol of spiritual unity.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has for centuries been nourished by an unbroken stream of faith, with its land carrying deep spiritual significance, as reflected in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. Quoting the Nilamata Purana, he said Mount Harmukh, also known as Harmukut, is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Gangbal Lake, at around 14,500 feet, is regarded as the sacred presence of Mother Ganga. He said devotees had maintained their spiritual connection with the site despite difficult terrain and historical upheavals, and that it holds sanctity comparable to Haridwar.
“I firmly believe that the Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage is a living expression of this immortal faith. On the pilgrimage, no one is superior or inferior. All are seekers of truth, united in spirituality. This is the strength of our eternal culture,” Sinha said.
He urged pilgrims to pledge to protect nature, particularly in view of climate change and other ecological challenges, saying Himalayan pilgrimages teach two lessons: that one is a custodian, not master, of nature, and that noble thoughts from all directions make society more prosperous.
Sinha also referred to the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of continuous public service, and urged citizens and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to take part in cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, health camps, tree plantation and youth-oriented programmes.
Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali, Principal Secretary to the LG Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust founder-chairman Vinod Pandita, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and Trust president Anil Bhat, besides religious heads, senior civil and police officers and a large number of devotees, attended the flag-off ceremony—(BuzzBytes)
