Srinagar, Sep 18 (KINS) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the auspicious Harmukh–Gangbal pilgrimage at Ganderbal, describing the Yatra as a “living expression of eternal faith” and a sacred bridge between Jammu Kashmir’s glorious past and vibrant present.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu Kashmir has, for millennia, been nourished by an unbroken stream of faith, with its land carrying a deep spiritual legacy, as highlighted by Kalhana in the Rajatarangini.
Quoting the Nilamata Purana, Sinha said Mount Harmukh, also known as Harmukut, is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Gangbal Lake, situated at an altitude of around 14,500 feet, is regarded as the sacred presence of Mother Ganga.
He noted that despite difficult terrain and historical upheavals, devotees have preserved their spiritual connection with the pilgrimage site, which is also associated with paying homage to ancestors and is considered comparable in sanctity to Haridwar.
“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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Emphasising the importance of protecting the Himalayan environment, Sinha urged pilgrims to take a pledge to safeguard nature, particularly in view of climate change and growing environmental challenges.
“I often say that Himalayan pilgrimages teach us two important lessons. First, I am not the master of nature but its custodian. Second, noble and beneficial thoughts should come to us from all directions so that we may make society more prosperous,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said spiritual journeys such as Harmukh–Gangbal strengthen the nation’s collective consciousness and promote social harmony.
“Pilgrimage gives us that strength and self-confidence. At the same time, it brings us closer to nature. During the journey, we realise that nature is our heritage and that we have a responsibility towards it,” he said.
Sinha also said the pilgrimage provides an opportunity to connect the younger generation with Jammu Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural heritage and inspire them to carry its values into the future.
Referring to the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of continuous public service, the Lieutenant Governor appealed to citizens and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to participate in activities including cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, health camps, tree plantation and youth programmes.
“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,” he said.
Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad; MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Founder Chairman and General Secretary of the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust Vinod Pandita; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore; President of the Trust Anil Bhat and other members, religious heads, senior civil and police officers, security officials, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees attended the flag-off ceremony.(KINS)
LG Sinha flags off Harmukh–Gangbal pilgrimage, calls it a living expression of eternal faith
