Jammu and Kashmir L-G calls for revival of shrine tourism

by IANS |

Srinagar, June 27 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday called for revival of shrine tourism in the Valley.

Sinha visited the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar and said that people from across the country come for the Amaranth Yatra each year and like this, Kashmir has a huge potential of shrine tourism as the Valley has many shrines of historical and religious significance.

He said that Eid-ul-Adha, which falls on Thursday, is a festival of peace and harmony.

He reviewed the preparations and facilities at the shrine that houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad.

He said that top officials from the administration were present and preparations were in place for the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Adha. Quoting the saying (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad, he said that the Prophet has stated that "unless the heart is purified, the body remains impure. If heart is clean, the entire body is clean".

The Lt. Governor said shrine tourism can be revived to attract people from the rest of the country.

“I am open to get feedback from the people, Waqf Board and anyone else on this issue. You come to me or I can visit you as well,” he said.

At Hazratbal shrine, he prayed for the peace and prosperity for J&K.