Srinagar, Sep 18 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage at Ganderbal, describing the yatra as a “living expression of eternal faith” and a symbol of spiritual unity.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has for centuries been nourished by an unbroken stream of faith, with its land carrying deep spiritual significance.

Referring to historical and religious texts, he said Mount Harmukh, also known as Harmukut, is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Gangbal Lake, located at an altitude of around 14,500 feet, is regarded as the sacred presence of Mother Ganga.

The LG said devotees had maintained their spiritual connection with the pilgrimage site despite difficult terrain and historical upheavals. He also noted the association of the pilgrimage with paying homage to ancestors, saying it holds sanctity comparable to Haridwar.

“I firmly believe that 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,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor said Himalayan pilgrimages teach people humility before nature and promote social harmony.

He urged pilgrims to take a pledge to protect the environment, particularly in view of climate change and other ecological 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.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Sinha said spiritual journeys such as Harmukh-Gangbal strengthen the “nation’s soul and collective consciousness” while bringing people closer to nature.

“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.

He added that the pilgrimage also provides an opportunity to convey to younger generations that the region's spiritual traditions represent both the consciousness of the present and a direction for the future.

The Lieutenant Governor also referred to the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of continuous public service, and urged citizens and the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust to participate in cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, health camps, tree plantation and youth-oriented 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, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust founder chairman and general secretary Vinod Pandita, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and members of the trust, besides religious heads, senior civil and police officers, security officials and devotees, attended the flag-off ceremony. (KNS)