Anantnag, July 26: 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 sacred Hawan.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the Harbah Festival as a celebration of devotion, gratitude and spiritual awakening. He said Teerathraj Lok Bhawan, with its serene surroundings, reflects India’s rich spiritual heritage and timeless traditions.
Referring to the historical importance of the shrine, Sinha noted that the site was known as Lokpunya, as mentioned in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. He said the annual Hawan and flag-hoisting ceremony continue to strengthen the values of devotion, service, sacrifice, patience and social harmony.
Highlighting the challenges of the modern era, the Lieutenant Governor observed that while advances in science and technology have brought people closer, they have also contributed to increasing loneliness and social divisions. He stressed that spiritual values should remain the foundation of society, promoting unity, compassion and mutual respect.
“The Harbah Festival reminds us that true devotion is reflected through service to humanity, mutual respect and selfless love,” he said.
Sinha also outlined his vision for a peaceful and prosperous society, urging citizens to uphold spiritual values in both personal and public life. He emphasized the need to give equal importance to mental and spiritual well-being alongside physical health and called for nurturing a sense of responsibility among the youth through selfless service and dedication to the nation.
Appealing to the younger generation of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor encouraged them to remain connected with their cultural and spiritual roots while pursuing modern education. “True knowledge is realized through humility, and its strength becomes sacred when used in the service of others,” he said.
Among those present on the occasion were Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat; Swami Sriram Charana Aravinda Dasa, Director Projects, ISKCON; DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo; SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat; President of the All Minority Employees Association Kashmir Sanjay Koul; senior civil and police officials, members of the Teerathraj Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Trust, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees.
