KANGAN: The Annual yatra to Gangbal lake, which is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva by Hindus, started on Tuesday from Naranag Kangan in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Official’s said keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic, only selected number of pilgrims were allowed from Naranag temple here. This Three days yatra is being organised by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust (HGGT) with the support of the APMCC and will end on Friday, an Official said.
Devotees after the simple Puja at Naranag and started trek to Gangabal lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range.
The lake is also known as Harmakut Ganga said Vinod Pandit, the general secretary of the HGGT who is part of devotees.
Pandit said the yatra has a historical and religious significance for us as it is being undertaken since ancient times.
We consider Harmakut Ganga, the abode of Lord Shiva” he added. As Gangbal lake is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and therefore we will offer special prayers for early return of peace which is eluding Jammu and Kashmir for many decades Pandit said. The Gangabal lake, located in the foothills of Harmukh mountain, is about 3.5 km long, half-a-km wide and 80 metre deep. Kashmiri Hindus used to immerse the mortal remains of their departed relatives at Gangbal from time immemorial. Meanwhile this Yatra is going amid tight security in the area and the group was also escorted by troops.

Sheikh Anees