Jammu: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that sustained efforts are underway to position Jammu as a global centre of spirituality and a key destination on the spiritual tourism map, while urging the younger generation to recognise and preserve the region’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy.
Addressing devotees after attending the Jammu Aarti at the historic Raghunath Temple, the Lieutenant Governor called upon people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in towns and villages situated along riverbanks across the Jammu division.
“I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled along the riverbanks. The light kindled by Aarti lamps will awaken society towards our rich culture and connect the younger generation with the timeless verses of our holy scriptures,” he said.
Highlighting the deeper spiritual significance of the ritual, Sinha described the Jammu Aarti as a unique expression of devotion performed collectively by men and women, embodying India’s reverence for Nari Shakti and the philosophy of Ardhanarishvar, while invoking divine blessings for all.
“I strongly believe the evening Aarti is the discipline of the soul. It is a conscious effort to inspire society to look at the source of our existence and remain grateful,” he said, adding that every flame lit during the ritual represents absolute devotion and every prayer establishes a dialogue with the infinite.
Emphasising the need for spiritual reflection in modern life, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the fast-paced world demands moments of introspection.
“Jammu Aarti provides an opportunity to every section of society to rediscover the priceless inner wealth that exists within us,” he said.
Sinha further underlined that the government is actively working to showcase Jammu, widely known as the “City of Temples”, as a global spiritual hub. He said that organising such aartis at sacred sites would allow pilgrims visiting revered shrines like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Cave Temple to experience the spiritual vibrancy of the region, while also contributing to local economic growth.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of such gatherings in fostering self-realisation and strengthening cultural roots among youth. “Young people must realise that they have inherited a precious legacy. It is not merely wealth or position, but an inner treasure that must be understood and preserved,” he said.
The event was organised by Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti Sanstha and was attended by its chairperson Dr. Ritu Singh, office bearers, prominent citizens, and a large number of devotees.
