Harmukh Ganga Yatra scheduled between September 11 and 15

Jammu & Kashmir:  The Famous Harmukh Ganga Yatra to the lake of Gangbal in the  Harmukh Range of Mountains would be held from September 11  the date of September 15 2013.  Mount Harmukh, with Gangbal Lake at its foot, is considered a sacred mountain  and another abode of Lord Shiva

Gangabal Lake, Harmukh Ganga Yatra

Gangabal Lake where Harmukh Ganga Yatra finishes

It would be the fifth Harmukh Ganga yatra in north-east Kashmir  the the schedule for it would be September 11 to 15. It is organized every year by Harmukh Ganga (Gangbal) Trust.

The Registration for this Yatra is open till August 20.  Devotees will assemble at Srinagar on September 11 and from there will proceed towards Naranag in Kangan area of Ganderbal district before advancing to the holy Gangabal lake on foot on September 12. Pilgrims will return from Gangabal on September 15.

According to the legend of Hurmukhuk Gosoni, once a hermit tried to reach the summit of Harmukh to see Lord Shiva face to face. For twelve long years he tried to scale the summit, but failed until one day he saw a Gujar descending the summit. When the Gujar approached him, the hermit enquired as to what he had seen there.

The Gujar said he had been searching for a stray goat, and that while searching he saw a couple milking a cow and drinking the milk from a human skull. The couple had offered him some milk, which he refused to drink; when they departed they rubbed a little of the milk on his forehead.

When the Gujar indicated the spot where the milk was rubbed, the hermit was extremely joyful and rushed to lick his forehead. It is said that the hermit attained Nirvana and disappeared from the place, to the complete surprise of the Gujar.