Kashmir: Annual Harmukh-Gangabal Yatra commences

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna, flagged off a group of Kashmiri Pandits for the pilgrimage to Harmukh-Gangabal lake shrine from Naranag temple. A group of about 30 Kashmiri Pandits left for the Gangabal lake, which is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva by Hindus from Naranag temple, for three days amid security and other arrangements, officials said.

After performing Puja at Naranag temple, devotees set on 36-km journey on foot to Gangabal lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range.

The pilgrimage organized under the banner of the Harmukh Ganga (Gangabal) Trust (HGGT) and All Parties Migrants' Coordination Committee (APMCC) will conclude on September 15.

Pertinently, District Administration has made all arrangements including accommodation, medical and security arrangements for the pilgrims. Among others, SSP Ganderbal, Suhail Munawar Mir, SDM Kangan, Hakeem Tanvir, Tehsildar Kangan Abdul Majeed and other concerned were present on the occasion.

The traditional three-day-long yatra was restarted in 2009 after a long period and has been revived as part of efforts to restore historic religious places which are of importance to Kashmiri Pandits and preserve their cultural and religious history, officials said.

Keywords: HaramukhGangabalYatra,NarangTemple

  Jashn-e-Azadi ‘Prakriti se Parichay’ adventure trek organised in Gurez 

  Srinagar: The Jashn-e-Azadi "Prakriti se Parichay" trek was organised by the Army for the Awaam of Gurez and trekkers from all over India to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

According to a statement, it was a week long trek in the picturesque vallies of Gurez and Tulail with an aim to strengthen the nationalistic fervour of the locals and to promote the undiscovered treks in Gurez .

It was also aimed at attracting more tourists to the scenic Gurez Valley. The trek witnessed participants from different parts of India trekking alongside the local youth of Gurez.

The Team of 21 trekkers comprised of eight trekkers from outside the state of J&K which included three Females and 13 trekkers from different parts of Gurez and J&K.

The trek was flagged off from Tulail on September 6 and during the course of the seven day trek, the trekkers explored the breath taking and mesmerising lakes of Jaudar, Gadsar and Satsar.

The local youth were amalgamated with an aim to train them as Trek Guides and unlock tremendous employment opportunities for them through the budding tourism industry in Gurez being catalysed by the army for the benefit of the locals and to bring development in the region, the statement said.

The trek culminated yesterday at Jurnial, Niru. During the campfire organised in the evening, all trekkers were elated and proud of their achievements. All unanimously echoed the sentiment of the lifelong bonding and camaraderie with each other, the statement added.