Ganderbal: The annual yatra to Gangbal Lake, which Kashmiri Pandits consider as the abode of Lord Shiva, is all set to start on Monday.
Sources told that pilgrims have started arriving and the yatra would be flagged off from Naranag in Ganderbal district.
A group of around 10 to 15 devotees will set out for the yatra after Charri Puja at the ancient Naranag temple. Pilgrims will trek to Gangbal Lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range.
The lake is also known as Harmakut Ganga by devotees. Devotees will also perform Vedic yagna at the lake.
An official said that yatra will start from August 24 and culminate on August 27. “Police and soldiers from 24 Rashtriya Rifles have already been deployed at Naranag for the smooth conduct of the Yatra,” he said.
The annual pilgrimage was restarted by Harmukh Ganga (Gangbal) Trust (HGGT) and the All Parties Migrants’ Coordination Committee (APMCC) in 2009, after a gap of nearly a century.
With inputs from agencies
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