SRINAGAR : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the annual Harbah festival at Teerathraj Lok Bhawan in Anantnag, where he paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi and extended greetings to devotees participating in the annual Hawan.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha described the Harbah festival as a celebration of devotion, gratitude and spiritual reflection. He said the shrine at Anantnag symbolises India’s rich spiritual heritage and continues to inspire values of truth, compassion and dharma.
Recalling the historical significance of the temple, the Lieutenant Governor said it was known as *Lokpunya* in Kalhana’s *Rajatarangini*. He said the annual Hawan and flag-hoisting ceremony help reinforce the values of devotion, service, sacrifice, patience and social harmony.
Speaking on the challenges of modern life, Sinha said that while advances in science and technology have brought people closer, they have also contributed to growing loneliness and social divisions. He stressed that spiritual values should remain the foundation of both personal and public life.
“The Harbah festival reminds us that true devotion manifests as service to humanity, mutual respect and selfless love,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the people to uphold spiritual values in individual and institutional conduct, emphasising that they are essential for building trust and prosperity. He said mental and spiritual well-being should receive equal importance alongside physical health, and urged the youth to embrace selfless service and contribute to nation-building.
Calling on the younger generation of Jammu and Kashmir to remain connected with their cultural and spiritual roots while pursuing modern education, Sinha said, “True knowledge is realised through humility, and its strength becomes sacred when used in the service of others.”
Among those present were Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat, ISKCON Projects Director Swami Sriram Charana Aravinda Dasa, DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo, SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, All Minority Employees Association Kashmir president Sanjay Koul, senior civil and police officials, members of the Teerathraj Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Trust, and a large number of devotees.
