Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated ‘Tawi Aarti and Light and Sound Show’ on Amarnath Yatra here on Wednesday evening to welcome pilgrims on the eve of the scheduled flagging off of the first batch from Bhagwati Nagar base camp.
Besides inaugurating an exhibition on Amarnath Yatra, Sinha also launched ‘Raahi: Hop Jammu’ Bus Service, an initiative of the Jammu district administration, which is designed to offer locals and tourists a seamless, convenient and environmentally sustainable way to explore the rich cultural, heritage and recreational landscape of Jammu.
“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’s commencement, Jammu Kashmir reverberates with chants to Lord Shiva, and the holy banks of the Tawi are lit by lamps of devotion,” the Lt Governor told the gathering after the inauguration.
He extended his warmest greetings and felicitations to all pilgrims. “The Tawi Aarti, rooted in ancient practice, stands today as a vibrant symbol of our collective spiritual consciousness, cultural unity, spiritual values and social harmony. The river’s uninterrupted flow reminds us that just as its waters move freely without distinction, so too should human life be guided by love, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“Throughout Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Tawi Aarti will be offered every evening, and each lamp lit will shine as a beacon of hope, purity, renewal and faith, illuminating not only the path of the pilgrim but the spirit of our society as well,” he said.
The Lt Governor invited seekers from across the country to participate in this spiritual journey.
Sinha applauded the efforts of Jammu Smart City Limited for building Tawi riverfront and ensuring the river’s rightful place at the heart of community life. He said banks that were once neglected have become vibrant centres of culture, tradition, social engagement and spiritual values.
“For centuries, Jammu has been known as a centre of spiritual awareness, cultural richness and learning. This land, with its ancient temples, has long embodied spiritual reflection and the finest values of Indian culture.
“It is therefore heartening to see Jammu reclaiming the distinguished identity for which it has been celebrated in history. I call for people’s active participation to keep the city clean and vibrant,” the Lt Governor said.
Sinha said he envisions a Jammu that emerges as a global centre for spiritual tourism, cultural studies and human values.
“I want to see a Tawi riverfront that sets a model for environmental protection, sustainable development and modern urban planning, where nature, culture and contemporary amenities complement one another to create a new model of development,” he said.
Meanwhile, reviewed arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra at the Yatri Niwas in Bhagwati Nagar here, an official said.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine is scheduled to begin on July 3 from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Sinha was accompanied by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special Director General of Police (Coordination) S J M Gillani, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and other senior officials from civil administration and security forces, he said.
The Lt Governor is scheduled to flag off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar camp early Thursday.
During the visit, the lieutenant governor took stock of logistics, lodging, security arrangements, health facilities, help desks, sanitation, power and water supply, emergency and other essential services and facilities to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience for devotees, the official said.
Sinha directed the officials to enhance manpower management to seamlessly cater to the heavy influx of devotees. He also emphasised regular public announcements at Bhagwati Nagar and Tawi Riverfront to ensure yatris receive essential information on time, he said.
Meanwhile, the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 pilgrims received a warm and traditional welcome in Kathua and Samba districts on Wednesday as the annual pilgrimage movement formally began through the Jammu region ahead of the Yatra commencement on July 3.
Devotional chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Jai Baba Barfani” echoed across reception points as district administrations activated facilitation mechanisms and coordinated arrangements for smooth movement of devotees towards the Jammu base camp.
At Lakhanpur, the gateway to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the District Administration Kathua welcomed the pilgrims at the Yatri Facilitation Centre, which has been fully operationalised to manage pilgrim movement and provide essential services.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan and other senior officers received the pilgrims and reviewed arrangements at the centre.
To streamline pilgrim registration and verification, six RFID counters and 12 eKYC counters have been established at Lakhanpur for issuance of RFID cards and processing of registered yatris.
A cultural reception programme was also organised by the District Information Centre Kathua, where local cultural troupes presented devotional performances including Shiv Tandav Stotra and bhajans, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
Interacting with the devotees, district officials assured uninterrupted facilitation and highlighted that dedicated help desks, medical assistance, sanitation facilities and other support services had been arranged through coordinated efforts of multiple departments.
Meanwhile, in Samba district, the first batch of pilgrims was welcomed at Tapyal in a traditional reception organised by the district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan and Senior Superintendent of Police Anuj Kumar received the yatris and extended greetings on behalf of the district administration. Local residents also participated in welcoming the pilgrims.
Officials said elaborate arrangements have been made in coordination with the Police, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Religious Langar Organisations and stakeholder departments to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Facilities including boarding, lodging, healthcare, sanitation, security and other essential services have been put in place to facilitate pilgrims during their onward journey.
The visiting pilgrims appreciated the arrangements and expressed satisfaction over the reception and facilities being provided.
Following the welcome ceremonies and interactions, the yatris continued their movement under security arrangements towards the Jammu base camp, from where the annual pilgrimage is scheduled to formally begin in the early hours of July 2.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 will be conducted from July 3 to August 28, with thousands of devotees expected to travel to the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir through the traditional routes.
