SRINAGAR, July 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said true devotion is reflected through service to humanity, mutual respect and selfless love, while addressing devotees at the annual Harbah Festival in Anantnag.
The Lieutenant Governor visited Teerathraj Lok Bhawan and paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi. He also extended greetings to devotees participating in the annual Hawan, describing the festival as a sacred occasion of devotion, gratitude and spiritual reflection.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the holy site stands as a living symbol of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage.
“Every stone, every stream and every breath here reflects the eternal consciousness of our Sanatan culture, which has guided humanity on the path of truth, compassion and dharma for centuries,” he said.
Recalling the historical significance of the temple, the Lieutenant Governor noted that it was known as Lokpunya, as mentioned in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. He said the annual Hawan and flag-hoisting ceremony help reinforce the values of devotion, sacrifice, service, patience and social harmony.
Highlighting the challenges of modern life, Sinha observed that while scientific and technological progress has brought the world closer, it has also contributed to growing loneliness and social divisions. He stressed that spiritual values must remain central to building a peaceful and harmonious society.
“The Harbah Festival reminds us that real devotion manifests as service to humanity, mutual respect and selfless love,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged people, particularly the youth, to remain rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual traditions alongside modern education. He said true knowledge is attained through humility and becomes meaningful when used for the welfare of others.
Sinha also called for giving equal importance to mental and spiritual well-being along with physical health and encouraged the younger generation to contribute selflessly towards nation-building while upholding the values of compassion, unity and service.
