STATE TIMES NEWS
KISHTWAR: The Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2025 commenced on Friday amid religious fervor and traditional gaiety.
The annual pilgrimage, which will continue till September 5- 2025, draws a large number of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and outside to pay obeisance at the Chandi Mata temple Shrine in village Machail located in the Paddar Valley.
Member Legislative Assembly Paddar-Nagseni and Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly Sunil Kumar Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Bhim Sen Tuti paid obeisance at the holy temple of Shri Chandi Mata Machail on the day one.
On the first official day of the Yatra, a total of 4,944 pilgrims visited the shrine. As per the category-wise breakup, 3,861 were male pilgrims, 776 were female devotees, and 307 were children. The atmosphere around the shrine echoed with chants and prayers, reflecting the strong spiritual sentiment that marks this annual pilgrimage.
Prior to the official launch of the Yatra, an impressive 53,618 pilgrims had already visited the shrine during the pre-yatra period that lasted until July 15, 2025. With today’s footfall, the cumulative number of pilgrims who have paid obeisance at the sacred shrine now stands at 58,562.
Later, the dignitaries reviewed the arrangements made by the District and Police Administration Kishtwar to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the yatra. Stress was laid on maintaining cleanliness and sanitation enroute, proper road maintenance especially in land slide prone area, providing adequate facilities at Langar points, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and water supply and provision of foolproof security measures.
Speaking to the media persons, the Divisional Commissioner said that the district administration and the police have made holistic arrangements for providing a smooth and hassle free yatra experience to the pilgrims of Shree Machail Mata Yatra.
“Adequate facilities have been put in place en-route from Kishtwar to Chisoti and to the Holy Shrine. The facilities include langars, toilets, help desks, medical booths and security measures for smooth and secure conduct of the annual holy Yatra,” he added.
The Div Com urged the pilgrims to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines and designated yatra timings, particularly cut-off timings for crossing specific locations.
Later, the dignitaries inaugurated a counter of traditional Laddu (Prasad) made from pure barley (Jou), run by a team from Machail. The Divisional Commissioner also interacted with the devotees and enquired about the facilities and their experience.
The review was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, SSP Naresh Singh, ADC Pawan Kotwal, PO ICDS Dr. Rishi Sharma, SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar, Tehsildar Headquarter Sunali Rani besides other concerned officers and officials who were directed to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for the successful conduct of the yatra.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Naresh Singh assured the public that robust security arrangements and necessary facilities have been put in place by the district administration, Kishtwar Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and various allied departments. Dedicated help desks, medical assistance, and continuous monitoring have been arranged to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching Yatra for all.
The district administration has also issued important instructions and advisories to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. Yatra movement is permitted strictly between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM from Kishtwar to Gulabgarh and from 5:00 AM to 4:30 PM from Gulabgarh to Machail. Pilgrims have been advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
The advisory also includes crucial safety guidelines such as avoiding risky behavior in hilly areas, staying away from riverbanks, refraining from travel during rainfall or night hours, and avoiding actions like climbing rocks or taking selfies near dangerous spots. Pilgrims have been strongly advised against consuming alcohol or smoking during the Yatra and to remain vigilant for wild animals, especially in forested areas.
The District Police Kishtwar remains committed to the service and safety of all devotees. Pilgrims in need of assistance can contact the Kishtwar Police Helpdesk or dial 9906154100 for support at any time during the Yatra.
