JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that the Yatri Niwas at Baltal will be dedicated to pilgrims on July 4, marking a significant addition to the infrastructure supporting the annual Amarnath Yatra. The announcement came as the Lieutenant Governor participated in the grand Tawi Aarti at the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu on the eve of the yatra’s commencement.
Invoking blessings from Suryaputri Tawi and Baba Barfani, the Lieutenant Governor prayed for a peaceful, secure, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for all devotees. “Entire J&K is immersed in spiritual bliss. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are ready to welcome Baba Barfani’s devotees with open hearts. May Lord Shiva bless everyone with health, happiness, and harmony,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the efforts of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, Department of Tourism, Jammu Smart City Limited, and the Shri Raghunath Ji Corridor Vikas Council in organising the Tawi Aarti, which he described as a divine moment reflecting Jammu’s eternal spiritual spirit.
“There is the song of God in the heartbeat of Jammu. The relationship between this city and spirituality is timeless. This divine Aarti will connect Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims with the sacred heritage of Suryaputri Tawi,” he said, emphasising Jammu’s deep spiritual consciousness.
In his address, Sinha underlined the significant progress Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed since 2019, describing it as a region regaining its dignity, pride, and spiritual stature. “In the last five years, J&K has got new wings. The light of upliftment is reaching every section of society, and the river of progress is flowing uninterrupted,” he said.
He reiterated that his role in Jammu and Kashmir goes beyond administration. “For me, this is an opportunity to rebuild the grandeur of Jammu and Kashmir, to restore the lost image of this holy land,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also applauded the public’s role in the Union Territory’s developmental transformation. “The pace at which Jammu and Kashmir has progressed is historic. Citizens and intellectuals alike are actively participating in this journey,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the Amarnath Shrine Board for its devotion and meticulous preparations for the yatra. Highlighting the improved facilities since 2022, he said the world’s attention is on the pilgrimage. “The resolve of the devotees is unwavering. No threat can shake their spirit. With collective support, this year’s yatra will be more historic than ever,” he said.
Seeking public support to institutionalise the Tawi Aarti as a regular spiritual tradition, the Lieutenant Governor said it has the potential to become a lasting symbol of Jammu’s divine energy.
