Jammu came alive with music and memories today, September 28, 2025, as the city marked the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, the legendary playback singer whose voice defined generations of Indian cinema. From radio broadcasts of her iconic songs to cultural programs in parks and temples, residents celebrated the “Nightingale of India,” who passed away in 2022 but whose melodies continue to echo in every corner of the region. The day, a national tribute, saw community halls in urban areas like Gandhi Nagar and rural spots in Kathua hosting events, blending nostalgia with contemporary performances. Local singer Anjali Sharma, who opened a tribute concert at Raghunath Temple, said, “Lata ji’s voice was India’s heartbeat – her songs united us through joys and sorrows.”
The celebrations kicked off with All India Radio Jammu airing a special two-hour program at 9 AM, featuring rare recordings of Lata’s hits like “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon” and “Lag Jaa Gale.” The station, a staple for Jammu’s music lovers, drew thousands tuning in from homes and villages. In Jammu city, the Dogra Arts Emporium organized a live tribute with young artists covering her Bollywood classics, attended by over 500 fans. Rural areas joined in – Udhampur’s community center hosted a bhajan session with Lata’s devotional tracks like “Ae Mere Pyare Watan,” while Doda’s schools held drawing contests for kids to sketch her portrait. The events highlighted Lata’s connection to J&K, where she performed in Srinagar in the 1970s, enchanting audiences with her versatility from ghazals to folk tunes.
Lata Mangeshkar, born in 1929 in Indore, sang in over 36 languages, recording more than 25,000 songs in a career spanning seven decades. Her voice, known for its purity and range, became synonymous with India’s independence spirit, earning her the Bharat Ratna in 2001. In Jammu, her songs like “Tere Bin Nahin Lagta” from “Ghar” (1978) hold special place, evoking the region’s romantic hills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat radio address at 11 AM, remembered her, saying, “Lata ji’s voice was a gift to the nation – her music lives in our hearts.” The PM’s show, broadcast on All India Radio, reached millions in Jammu, with listeners sharing stories of how her songs comforted during tough times like the floods.
The anniversary coincides with Navratri’s third day, blending Lata’s bhajans like “Jai Ganesh Jai Girija” with garba dances in Talab Tillo. Cultural groups in Akhnoor performed medleys of her film songs, drawing families for an evening of song and dance. The Jammu Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages hosted a seminar on her influence on Indian music, with speakers noting her work with J&K artists like Ghulam Mohammad Saznawaz. Young singers from Reasi and Kathua took the stage, covering “Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh,” earning applause for carrying her legacy forward.
For Jammu’s music lovers, Lata’s birthday is more than a date – it’s a celebration of enduring melody. Her voice bridged divides, from Bollywood hits to patriotic anthems, touching urban cafes and rural hearths alike. As the day winds down, radio stations play her classics, reminding us of her timeless gift. Jammu honors her with open hearts and full voices – her songs, forever young.