Jammu, India, July 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Tawi Aarti and a Light and Sound Show on the banks of the Tawi River on Tuesday as part of the arrangements to welcome pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the pilgrimage represents faith, discipline and spiritual awakening, and invited devotees from across the country to participate in the annual yatra. He said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has brought together people from different regions, languages and traditions through a shared spirit of faith.
Extending his greetings to the pilgrims, Sinha said the Tawi Aarti reflects the region’s cultural and spiritual traditions. He announced that the aarti will be performed every evening during the course of the yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Tawi riverfront, developed by Jammu Smart City Limited, has transformed the riverbank into a public space for cultural and community activities. He urged citizens to contribute towards maintaining cleanliness in the city and expressed hope that Jammu would continue to develop as a destination for spiritual tourism while promoting environmental protection and sustainable urban development.
Highlighting the significance of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Sinha said it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of every pilgrim. He added that visitors should leave Jammu and Kashmir with a positive experience of the hospitality and service extended during the pilgrimage.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also flagged off ‘Raahi: Hop Jammu’ Bus Service, an initiative of the District Administration Jammu aimed at providing an organised and eco-friendly transport service for residents and tourists. The fleet of air-conditioned electric buses will operate on four themed routes—Tirath Line, Chenab Line, Sarhad Line and Fun Line—covering major religious, heritage and tourist destinations across the city.
Earlier, Sinha 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 in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior civil and police officers, legislators, religious leaders and representatives from various organisations.