Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the Tawi Aarti and Light & Sound Show at the Tawi Riverfront to welcome pilgrims arriving for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, describing the annual pilgrimage as a timeless symbol of faith, cultural unity and spiritual awakening.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the sacred pilgrimage has, for centuries, united people from diverse regions, languages and traditions in a shared expression of devotion to Lord Shiva.
“With only a few hours remaining before the commencement of the Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir reverberates with chants in praise of Lord Shiva, while the holy banks of the Tawi are illuminated with lamps of devotion,” Sinha said, extending his greetings to pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage.
He said the Tawi Aarti, rooted in ancient tradition, has emerged as a symbol of collective spiritual consciousness, cultural harmony and social unity. Drawing a parallel with the uninterrupted flow of the river, he said society should be guided by the values of love, cooperation and mutual respect.
The Lieutenant Governor announced that the Tawi Aarti would be performed every evening throughout the duration of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, with each lamp representing hope, purity, renewal and faith.
Calls for Global Spiritual Tourism Hub
Sinha lauded Jammu Smart City Limited for developing the Tawi Riverfront and restoring the river’s central role in the city’s cultural and spiritual life.
He observed that riverbanks which were once neglected have been transformed into vibrant spaces promoting culture, tradition, spirituality and community engagement.
Describing Jammu as a historic centre of spirituality and learning, the Lieutenant Governor said he envisioned the city emerging as a global destination for spiritual tourism, cultural studies and human values. He also appealed to citizens to actively participate in maintaining cleanliness and preserving the city’s heritage.
He further expressed hope that the Tawi Riverfront would become a model of environmental conservation, sustainable urban development and modern civic planning.
Ensuring a Memorable Pilgrimage
Highlighting the significance of the annual pilgrimage, Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra represents India’s rich spiritual heritage and carries the faith of millions of devotees.
He stressed the need to ensure the highest standards of safety, dignity, comfort and hospitality for every pilgrim, adding that visitors should return with lasting memories of the warmth and service extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is our responsibility to make every pilgrim an ambassador of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
‘Raahi: Hop Jammu’ Bus Service Launched
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also launched ‘Raahi: Hop Jammu’, an eco-friendly city bus service introduced by the District Administration Jammu to provide residents and tourists with convenient access to the city’s major religious, heritage and recreational destinations.
The service will operate a fleet of air-conditioned electric buses on four themed routes—Tirath Line, Chenab Line, Sarhad Line and Fun Line—connecting several prominent landmarks across Jammu.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and presented Swachhta Souvenirs to pilgrims as part of the cleanliness awareness campaign.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sat Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior civil, police and administrative officers, legislators, religious leaders, representatives of social organisations and a large number of citizens.
