Governor, CM greet people on Mahashivratri

Jammu, Feb 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Genl (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad have greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of MahaShivratri.

In a message, the Governor said Maha Shivratri inspires people to strive towards the pursuit of truth, which leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomised by Lord Shiva. The festival lays stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony, the cornerstones of the great Indian civilization, he added.

Lt-Gen Sinha said Shivratri has a special significance for Kashmiri Pandits, who celebrate it as Heerath. He said that Kashmir has remained a seat of Shaivism for centuries and this philosophy has contributed in a big way to the ethos of the Valley. ''The composite culture of the State symbolizes our balanced thinking and provides inspiration to others to pursue the path of ultimate truth,'' he added.

The Governor referred to the rich ethos of Kashmir where the people of all faiths have been celebrating festivals in the true spirit of its composite culture.

The Governor said the festival is also celebrated in a big way in Jammu region, as elsewhere in the country, and referred to the Shiv Khori Mela, which becomes destination of thousands of devotees on this auspicious day.

The Chief Minister has felicitated the people on Mahashivratri particularly the Kashmiri Pandits who celebrate the day as ''Heerath''.

Mr Azad said Mahashivratri symbolised the great composite culture of the state and hoped that amity, brotherhood and secular temperament, would strengthen the bonds of love between all sections of the society. He wishing joy and happiness for the people and also prayed for prosperity of the state.

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Labour and Employment Mangat Ram Sharma and Minister of State for Finance Law and Revenue Prem Sagar Aziz has extended their greetings to the people of state on the eve of Mahashivratri, the auspicious day for the mankind for seeking, blessings of Lord Shiva.

UNI