Another yatra destination in Kashmir: KousarNaag

Pilgrimage begins on July 29; 4000 pilgrims to perform ‘pooja’ in first phase

KousarNaag, the fountainhead of Kashmir in this south Kashmir district, is set to be another yatra destination from July 29. At least 4000 Hindu pilgrims are set to under pilgrimage to the place regarded as a purest spring in the Valley. 
The pilgrims will start their journey from Reasi in Jammu province on July 29 and hold the holy ‘pooja’ at KousarNaag from July 30 onwards—the day of ‘NaagPanchami.’
Sources said the government through the district administration Reasi is starting the 6-day pilgrimage and has arranged helicopter service for the intending pilgrims.
The district administration Reasi is busy ensuring all arrangements like tents, toilets, sheds and other facilities for the pilgrims, sources said.
Army, they said, has been mobilized to erect tents, toilets and temporary sheds for stay of the pilgrims. “The arrangements will be completed in a couple of days,” the sources disclosed.
The district administration Reasi has contacted district administration Shopian to ensure all arrangements at KousarNaag. A formal letter in this regard has also been written to DC Shopian, sources said.
Additional District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Rajinder
Singh Tara, said, “As the place had been a pious place for Hindus and a sacred place of ‘pooja’, the government is going to start the pilgrimage to KousarNaag for at least 4000 pilgrims in the first phase.”
In first round, he said, the special ‘pooja’ will be held for one week. 
He said the government has arranged helicopter service and six teams of doctors with medicines and oxygen to help yatris.
“The place will be brought on the tourism map and the state Tourism department has been told to chalk-out a comprehensive strategy to popularize it with hoardings at prominent locations so that the pilgrims, after visiting the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi in Jammu, are diverted to KousarNaag,” he said.
Sources said army will provide tents for accommodation and toilets for yatris at places including Harshu in Mahore, Salal,
Arnas, Dharmari, Mahore, Chasana and Sungri areas of Reasi district to reach Kounsar Nag in Shopian. Harshu has been fixed as base camp for the yatra.
Pertinently, KausarNaag is one of the highest altitude springs in Kashmir situated on a cliff some 30 kms from Aharbal here. The spring shimmers with fresh and crystal-clear glacial waters.