Pilgrimage to Harmukh Gangbal lake shrine performed amid COVID curbs
Srinagar: The annual yatra to high-altitude Harmukh Gangbal lake shrine, which Kashmiri Pandits consider as the abode of Lord Shiva, has been performed in central Kashmir Himalayas amid curtailment due to COVID-19.
“The yatra started from Naranag on August 24 and team members had to trek to Harmukh Gangbal lake. This year, the yatra size was also curtailed due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” vice-president of Harmukh Gangbal Ganga Trust (HGGT) said.
The team members of the HGGT performed yagna at the Harmukh Gangbal lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above the sea level in the Harmukh mountain range.
“The lake is also known as Harmukh Ganga. The Harmukh mountain is also known as The Kailash of Kashmir. The yatra returned to Jammu today,” he said.
The yatra began on August 24 and culminated on August 28. “The yatra was conducted under tight security. The Gangbal yatra was revived after 200 years on June 2009,” he said.
