#SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has extended his heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Zuha.

In a message, the Lt Governor said, “Heartiest greetings and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha.

The sacred festival of Eid-ul-Zuha is a symbol of selfless sacrifice and sharing. Let us, on this occasion, reaffirm our resolve to further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and unity. May Eid-ul-Zuha bring peace, prosperity and joy for everyone”.

#JAMMU: LG Manoj Sinha today handed over the appointment letter to Sakshi Devi, wife of Deepu, who was killed by terrorists in Anantnag.

ANANTNAG: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid along with Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag today participated in the Youm-e-Ashoora procession at Sofipora  Wallarhama in Anantnag.

The procession was attended by a large number of mourners, wearing black attire which symbolises mourning and sacrifice, presented religious eulogies. The procession eventually concluded at the Imambara at Sofipora.

Notably, the Youm e Ashura is marked to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (R.A) and his family and symbolises the struggle against untruth and evil.

#KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards enhancing community well-being, the Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (LJ&K-MCS Ltd.) with the support of Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD) has introduced a novel initiative during the Shri Chandi Mata Machail Yatra 2024.

The Co-operative is promoting the making of a local delicacy known as Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddoo) which is also the traditional offering prepared by local villagers around Shri Chandi Mata Machail Temple and the entire padar region.

The Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddo) prasad is crafted with a blend of dry fruits and pure Desi ghee, combined with locally sourced Jau Sattu, ensuring a nutritious and delectable offering for the devotees.

A special counter has been established within the temple premises at Shri Machail Mata Bhawan, ensuring that devotees have convenient access to this wholesome Prasad.

This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of healthy Prasad but also creates employment opportunities for local residents, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development.

This initiative is expected to improve both the financial health of farmers associated with millet production and promote a healthier lifestyle through the consumption of such crops.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu inaugurates mega Religious cum Cultural event

#REASI: An initiative of the Shri  Shivkhori Shrine Board Ransoo and Directorate of Tourism Jammu, the First Ever ‘Shivkhori Shravan Mahotsav’ was today inaugurated here in  Shiv Shakti Bhawan Ransoo Town amid religious fervor and gaiety.

 The grand event spread over 02 holy months of Shravan/Saavan will be celebrated on all Saavan Mondays which are considered as auspicious according to the Hindu calendar.

The event was formally inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, who is also the Chairman of Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, in presence of Vice Chairperson Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, Babila Rakwal (Deputy Commissioner Reasi); SSP Reasi, Amit Gupta; SSP, Sandeep Mehta; Jyoti Slathia, Additional DC Reasi; Vinod Behnal, ADC Sunderbani; Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism Jammu and other government functionaries, besides PRI members and district officers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner said that the Shivkhori Shrine has recorded an immense increase in the footfall of devotees visiting this holy shrine. The Shrine Board is committed to provide all amenities to the Yatris at Ransoo town and also all along the track and Bhawan, he added.

He hoped that the organization of grand cultural events in the coming two months shall act as a great attraction for devotees by providing them  opportunities to participate in devotional activities  like Katha on Shiv Purana, Bhajan presentations, Dramas on life and teaching of Lord Shiva among other religious activities.

In her address, Vice Chairperson Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, Babila Rakwal said that the two month activities shall be a combination of variety of devotional programmes including Screening of Special Movies and Documentaries on the life of Lord Shiva, Grand Bhajan Competition along with Art/Painting Competition for young enthusiasts, Special Yagna, Pooja and Hawan at Shivkhori Bhawan along with Grand Closing Ceremony and Bhajan Renditions by popular artists.

The Joint Director Tourism, while addressing the gathering, said that the Directorate of Tourism Jammu is committed in its endeavour to promote Jammu region as an all season destination for tourists including pilgrimage tourism. She reiterated that special efforts are being made to diversify tourism experience of travelers coming to Jammu region by way of added tourism products like Skyview Gondola at Patnitop, musical fountain along with Open Air Cinema at Aquaplex Crown Bagh-e-Bahu, Weekend Retreat Ceremony at Suchetgarh Border Octroi Post, besides organization of festivals and events all across the Jammu region like Sinthan Snow Festival, Patnitop New Year Bonanza, Askini Bhaderkashi Festival, Revival of Old Traditional Heritage Vaishno Devi Yatra Route, Heritage Walk at Purmandal-Utterbehni, Water Sports activities at Ranjit Sagar Dam Basohli on World Environment Day, Basao Baisakhi Mahotsav at Mubarak Mandi Complex, Sanasar Tulip Festival, Seven Lake Trekking in Rajouri-Poonch area, Navratra Festival in Katra, Jammu, Kathua, Kishtwar.

The event started with mesmerizing Bhajan rendition by Vijaypuria Brothers Ravi and Raju, Ashok Hans, Julekha, Paramjeet and Chaman Lehri. The inaugural ceremony was anchored by Kusum Tickoo.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ‘Shivkhori Shravan Mahotsav 2023’ is a collaborative effort of Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, District Administration Reasi, Directorate of Tourism Jammu and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

 Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were DDC member Pouni, Kewal Krishan; DDC member Panthal, Rajinder Mengi; BDC Chairman Pouni, Pawan Sharma; Pradeep Kumar, Executive Officer SSKSB;  Arif Lone, Assistant Director Tourism;  Rajinder Digra, District Information Officer Reasi, Naresh Kumar, Tehsildar Pouni; Aarti, BDO Pouni among other senior functionaries of District Administration Reasi and Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board Ransoo along with PRI members of Pura Kotla, Sangar and Alya.

#SRINAGAR: Spanish ambassador, Juan Antonio, today visited SPS museum and appreciated the uniquely crafted diverse artefacts housed there.

Juan Antonio appreciated the varied artefacts saying that the museum is a huge repository of historical and cultural legacy of the region which has been reflected through varied powerful art forms. He described the whole collection as a rare exhibition of exceptional cultural heritage of the region which can fascinate everyone.

He assured that all possibilities would be explored to further boost cultural cooperation among Spain and India in days to come. ” 2026 is going to be very important year for the culture of India and Spain in reciprocal ways,” he added.

Advocating for further strengthening of cultural ties, he said that efforts would be made to propagate and promote culture of Kashmir in Spain.

Juan Antonio, while lauding fast growing tourism sector in Kashmir, said that there is ample scope for increasing the cooperation in tourism industry and share our experiences in rural tourism development.

#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the final match of the Legends League Cricket at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.

The Lt Governor interacted with the international players including Irfan Pathan, Martin Guptill, Hamilton Masakadza, Yusuf Pathan, Kedar Jadhav and Vinay Kumar and conveyed his felicitations to officials of Legends League Cricket and legendary Cricketers participating in the historic sporting spectacle.

In a social media post, the Lt Governor has termed the Legends League Cricket as the beginning of a new sporting era for Kashmir Valley. He said the historic event has marked the return of the International Cricket Tournament to the valley after 36 years.