JAMMU: The annual pilgrimage of Chhari Mubarak – the saffron robed Holy Mace of Bhagwan Shiva culminated on August 9, at Pahalgam with its last rituals Pujan and Visarjan, which were performed at the banks of river Lidder.
Large number of Sadhus and pilgrims who had come from various parts of the country joined the Pujan. Later, Bhandara was organised and Dakshina was offered.
Chhari-Mubarak was taken to Holy Shrine of Amarnath on August 7, on the occasion of Sharavan-Purnima and Pujan was performed with Vedic Hymn after 11:10 AM due to Bhadra. Officials from different arms of State administration had also joined the Pujan.
Mahant Deependra Giri told that collective prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir State and Kashmir in particular when asked to comment on prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley.
When reaction was sought on the attack on pilgrims that took place on July 10, Mahant Deependra Giri said that different sections of the society of people of Jammu and Kashmir State and people of Kashmir Valley in particular have given loud and clear message by condemning and rejecting barbaric incident and they don’t want re-occurrence of such incident.
Addressing the gathering after the culminating ceremony, Mahant Deependra Giri congratulated and thanked the State administration, Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, J and K Police, Health Department, PHE, PDD, all the agencies connected with making arrangements for the Yatra and people of Jammu and Kashmir for successful Yatra.
He appreciated the services rendered by all the voluntary organisations for providing Langar, medical and other essential facilities to the pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
All the arrangements including transportation, accommodation and food for the Sadhus and people from general public who had accompanied Chhari-Mubarak during the Yatra were made by The True Trust founded by Mahant Deependra Giri in year 2004.