Tawi Aarti marks cultural resurgence in Jammu, heralds new era of spiritual and civic revival

The first-ever Tawi Aarti was held with grandeur and devotion on the banks of the Suryaputri Tawi River in Jammu. Spearheaded by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the ceremonial event was more than just a religious occasion—it was a declaration of cultural resurgence, a symbol of ecological awakening, and a beacon of civic pride.

Held in conjunction with the vibrant Baisakhi Mela, the sacred Aarti was attended by hundreds of citizens, revered Acharyas, Archakas, public officials, and civil society members. It marked the dawn of what the LG called a “new era” for Jammu—one that balances spiritual heritage with modern, people-centric development.

Tawi – Not just a river, but the soul of Jammu

Standing at the edge of the illuminated Tawi Riverfront, LG Manoj Sinha addressed the gathering with passion and purpose, declaring the river to be “the living form of our consciousness and thoughts.” He emphasized that the Tawi River is intrinsically woven into the spiritual and cultural journey of Jammu and that the Aarti represents a symbolic reclamation of Bharatiya dharmic traditions.

“The ceremonial worship ‘Tawi Aarti’ on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi is a divine spectacle, an expression of reverence, gratitude, and unity. This is the awakening of a culture that lived in our soul and now returns to our consciousness,” he said.

Referring to the river as Suryaputri Tawi—the daughter of the Sun—LG Sinha reiterated its sanctity and stressed the need for people and the government to work in unison to preserve its purity, dignity, and divinity.

Tawi river is connected to the soul of Jammu & its spiritual journey and this river is the living form of our consciousness and thoughts. It is a cultural idea & spiritual flow and with beginning of Aarti at Tawi Riverfront, efforts are being made to awaken our ancient culture. pic.twitter.com/kV8Od0aXwD

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 13, 2025

While the Aarti was deeply spiritual, LG Sinha asserted that it is more than a religious ceremony—it is a civilizational revival. “The Tawi Aarti is not just about lighting lamps on the riverbank. It is about illuminating our minds with the light of heritage, values, and ecological consciousness,” he said.

He made a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of Jammu: “If we are to truly make our city beautiful, we must feel a sense of belonging. Citizens’ pride is the foundation of any great city.”

In this light, he called upon the youth, volunteers, religious institutions, and civil society to act as custodians of the river, ensuring that pollution is minimised and the riverfront is preserved for future generations.

Smart City, Sacred City: The dual vision for Jammu

The event also served as a showcase of the transformational urban work done under the Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL). LG Sinha praised the JSCL team for projects that combine functionality with heritage preservation, including:

• Heritage Trail connecting historical sites near Raghunath Bazaar
• Complete Street Development in Gandhi Nagar
• Revamped public spaces and green zones across the city
• Deployment of 100 electric air-conditioned buses with real-time tracking and CCTV
• Creation of over 5 hectares of urban green spaces

“Smart City is not just about infrastructure or digital services—it is about enhancing the quality of life for every citizen,” LG Sinha stated. “We are building a city that is clean, green, inclusive, and most importantly, spiritually aware.” The government’s intent is to make Jammu a model for other urban centers in Bharat, showcasing how technological advancement and ancient tradition can coexist and thrive.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including:

• Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and Er. Gulam Ali Khatana
• Minister for Food & Civil Supplies Satish Sharma
• Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo
• Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar
• Municipal Commissioner & JSCL CEO Devansh Yadav
• Chairman, Shri Raghunathji Corridor Vikas Council Rajesh Gupta

Also in attendance were religious heads, members of civil society groups, MLAs, administrative secretaries, police and civil officials, and thousands of residents who gathered in celebration, worship, and unity.

The presence of Acharyas, Archakas, youth volunteers, and artists lent a vibrant and devotional atmosphere to the event, which concluded with chants, hymns, and collective pledges to protect the river and uphold Jammu’s spiritual legacy.

Looking ahead, LG Sinha stated that once all riverfront development projects are completed, the Tawi Riverfront will become a world-class spiritual, cultural, and tourist destination. “This is not the end but the beginning. The Aarti will now become a tradition, and the riverfront, a space of collective devotion,” he said. “Our vision is not just to build roads and buildings—but to build faith, revive culture, and nurture an identity. We will make Jammu not only smart, but sacred.”

In his closing remarks, he extended his heartfelt appreciation to all those who made the grand Aarti possible, including the Jammu Municipal Corporation, JSCL, Tourism Department, Acharyas, Archakas, and the people of Jammu.