LG attends Harbah festival in Anantnag, calls for spiritual values, service to humanity

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 26 (STC): Spiritual values must guide both individuals and institutions to build a peaceful and prosperous society, said Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the annual Harbah festival at Teerathraj Lok Bhawan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district today.
Sinha paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi and extended greetings to devotees participating in the annual Hawan.
The lieutenant governor addressing to the devotees said the Harbah festival represents a profound moment of devotion, gratitude and inner spiritual experience, describing the shrine as a symbol of India’s enduring spiritual traditions.
“Every stone, every stream and every breath here conveys the immortal consciousness of our Sanatan culture and spiritual heritage, which has guided humanity for centuries along the path of truth, compassion and dharma,” he said.
Recalling the shrine’s historical significance, Sinha said the ancient site 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.
Referring to the challenges of modern life, the LG said advances in science and technology had brought the world closer but had also contributed to increasing loneliness and social divisions.
He stressed that spiritual values should remain the foundation of society and called for greater emphasis on unity, compassion and mutual respect.
“The Harbah festival reminds us that true devotion manifests as service to humanity, mutual respect and selfless love,” Sinha said.
The lieutenant governor also outlined what he described as three priorities for society — ensuring that spiritual values guide personal and institutional conduct to build trust and prosperity, giving equal importance to mental and spiritual health alongside physical well-being, and nurturing a sense of responsibility among youth through selfless action and dedication to the nation.
Calling upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha urged them to remain connected not only with modern education but also with the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
“True knowledge is realized through humility, and its strength becomes sacred when used in the service of others,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Padma Shri awardee Brij Lal Bhat, ISKCON Director (Projects) 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 police and civil administration officials, members of the Teerathraj Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Trust and a large number of devotees.
(Straight Talk Communications)