MAY 25: In a significant step towards enhancing facilities for pilgrims visiting one of Kashmir’s most revered spiritual sites, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for a new guest house at the holy shrine of Dargah Hazratbal earlier today.
The proposed guest house aims to provide better accommodation facilities for devotees and tourists who travel from across the country and abroad to pay their respects at the shrine, which houses the revered relic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, Dargah Hazratbal is not only a spiritual center but also a symbol of communal harmony and heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, LG Manoj Sinha emphasized the government’s continued commitment to improving religious infrastructure and supporting pilgrim welfare. “In the past few years, the government has taken substantial steps to improve the facilities for devotees. The journey to this sacred place has become much more convenient thanks to significant infrastructure upgrades,” he said.
He noted that the new guest house would serve as a resting place for pilgrims, especially during crowded religious occasions, thereby easing congestion and enhancing the overall experience. The facility will be equipped with modern amenities, ensuring both comfort and accessibility.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that initiatives like this reflect the administration’s broader vision of inclusive development and preserving the spiritual and cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that religious tourism plays a crucial role in strengthening the local economy and fostering social unity.
Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, local administrative representatives, and religious leaders were present during the ceremony, expressing appreciation for the step taken to improve pilgrim infrastructure.
This initiative is seen as a part of a larger drive to revive heritage and promote religious tourism in the region. With increasing footfall at Hazratbal every year, the addition of a dedicated guest house is expected to greatly benefit the visitors, especially those coming from far-off regions.
The development marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to blend spiritual devotion with modern amenities, making the sacred journey to Hazratbal a more peaceful and fulfilling experience.
