Jammu, July 01 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the Tawi Aarti and Light & Sound Show at the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu to welcome pilgrims arriving for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the pilgrimage as a sacred journey of faith, discipline and spiritual awakening that has inspired generations. He invited devotees from across the country to participate in the annual yatra.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has long been a living thread, weaving together people of diverse languages, cultures and traditions into one shared fabric of faith. With only a few hours remaining before the yatra begins, Jammu and Kashmir reverberates with chants of Lord Shiva, while the holy banks of the Tawi are illuminated with lamps of devotion,” Sinha said.
Extending his greetings to all pilgrims, the Lieutenant Governor said the Tawi Aarti, rooted in ancient traditions, has become a symbol of spiritual consciousness, cultural unity and social harmony.
He said the uninterrupted flow of the Tawi River reminds people that human life should be guided by love, cooperation and mutual respect. “Throughout the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the Tawi Aarti will be performed every evening, with each lamp symbolising hope, purity, renewal and faith,” he added.
Sinha praised Jammu Smart City Limited for developing the Tawi Riverfront, saying the once-neglected riverbanks have been transformed into vibrant centres of culture, spirituality and community life.
He said Jammu, known for centuries as a centre of spirituality and learning, is reclaiming its historic identity and urged citizens to actively participate in keeping the city clean and vibrant.
The Lieutenant Governor also envisioned Jammu emerging as a global destination for spiritual tourism, cultural studies and sustainable urban development, with the Tawi Riverfront serving as a model of environmental conservation and modern planning.
Highlighting the significance of the pilgrimage, Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra represents India’s rich spiritual traditions and collective faith. He stressed the need to ensure the highest standards of safety, dignity, comfort and care for every pilgrim, urging people of Jammu and Kashmir to extend warmth and hospitality so that every devotee returns as an ambassador of the Union Territory.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also launched the ‘Raahi: Hop Jammu’ electric bus service, an initiative of the District Administration Jammu aimed at providing tourists and residents with an eco-friendly transport system connecting major religious, heritage and recreational destinations across the city through four thematic routes—Tirath Line, Chenab Line, Sarhad Line and Fun Line.
Earlier, he inaugurated an exhibition on the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and presented Swachhta Souvenirs to pilgrims.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sat Sharma, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior civil and police officials, legislators, religious leaders and a large number of devotees.(KINS)
LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates Tawi Aarti, light & sound show ahead of Amarnath Ji Yatra
