Bandipora: Gokul Prashad, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, fueled by unwavering faith in Lord Shiva, completed his first-ever Amarnath Yatra, on cycle. He started his journey on May 25 from his hometown, Chhatarpur, in MP.
In Kashmir, he was honoured by Executive Magistrate Sumbal Bandipora with a shawl, recognising his “remarkable achievement” of covering the vast distance on a bicycle. Graciously accepting the honour, Gokul on Thursday expressed his unwavering devotion to the holy cave, saying his love for Lord Shiva kept him motivated throughout the arduous journey.
At the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district, Prashad told a local news gathering agency that he intends to return to Madhya Pradesh on cycle after seeking the blessings of ‘Baba Barfani’.
“I started my yatra on May 25 from my hometown, riding my bicycle the entire way. I didn’t face any major difficulties on the path to the holy cave. It was my personal desire to complete the yatra on a cycle, and I’m happy that everything went smoothly, despite some challenges from the heat wave,” he said.
Gokul was all praise for the facilities during the pilgrimage, saying the accommodations, food quality, road connectivity, medical aid and other arrangements were better than expected.
“Amarnath Yatra carries immense significance in our tradition, symbolising peace, harmony and inclusive growth. Being among the pilgrims at Baltal, I could sense their overwhelming joy and anticipation for the pilgrimage,” he said amid the resounding chants of ‘Bam Bam Bole’.
The 62-day-long pilgrimage officially began on July 1, providing two routes for the devotees. The traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district is longer, stretching for 48 km, while the Baltal route in Ganderbal district is shorter, covering a distance of 14 km. (KNO)
