Ganderbal, Sep 18 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage in Ganderbal, describing it as a living expression of the region’s ancient faith and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the pilgrimage represents a sacred link between India’s glorious past and vibrant present and promotes devotion, purity and unity in diversity.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has for millennia been nourished by an unbroken stream of faith, with the region’s spiritual significance also finding mention in ancient texts, including Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.
Referring to the Nilamata Purana, the LG said Mount Harmukh, also known as Harmukut, is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Gangbal Lake, located at an altitude of around 14,500 feet, is regarded as the sacred presence of Mother Ganga.
Despite difficult terrain and historical upheavals, devotees have maintained their spiritual connection with the pilgrimage site, he said, adding that Gangbal is also associated with paying homage to ancestors and is considered comparable in sanctity to Haridwar.
Sinha said Himalayan pilgrimages teach humility before nature and encourage people to embrace noble thoughts, thereby contributing to social harmony.
“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,” he said.
The LG urged pilgrims to take a pledge to protect the environment and preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, particularly in view of climate change and other environmental challenges.
“During the journey, we realise that nature is our heritage and that we have a responsibility towards it,” he said.
Sinha also referred to the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and appealed to citizens and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to participate in activities such as cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, health camps, tree plantation and youth programmes.
He said spiritual journeys strengthen collective consciousness and bring people closer to nature.
“May the snow-clad peaks of Harmukh inspire us to cultivate lofty thoughts, and may the blessings and compassion of Lord Shiva remain with all the pilgrims,” Sinha said.
MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali, Principal Secretary to the LG Mandeep K. Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and members of the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust, besides religious leaders, civil and police officers and devotees, attended the flag-off ceremony.—(NVI)
