Ganderbal, Sep 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra from Naranag in Kangan, setting the pilgrimage to the sacred Gangbal Lake in the Harmukh mountain range in motion.

Rajouri-Poonch Lok Sabha MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mehar Ali, and senior civil and police officials attended the flag-off ceremony.

The pilgrimage began from Naranag amid arrangements put in place by the administration and security agencies for the safety and smooth movement of devotees along the mountainous route.

Gangbal Lake, located near the foothills of Mount Harmukh, is an important religious site for Kashmiri Pandits and other devotees. The traditional pilgrimage involves a trek from Naranag through the upper reaches of the Harmukh mountain range.

Authorities had made arrangements for security, medical aid, sanitation, drinking water and other essential facilities along the route ahead of the yatra.

With the flag-off ceremony, devotees embarked on the annual pilgrimage towards Gangbal Lake, marking the formal commencement of this year's Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra.