Machail Mata Yatra to Remain Suspended from July 15–24

SRINAGAR: The annual Machail Mata Yatra will remain temporarily suspended from July 15 to July 24 to allow for final logistical and security preparations, the Kishtwar district administration and Shri Chandi Mata Sewa Samiti announced on Wednesday.

Officials said the Yatra will officially commence on July 25 and continue until September 5. The temporary halt is intended to ensure adequate arrangements for road connectivity, sanitation, water supply, electricity, and security along the pilgrimage route.

The pilgrimage, which draws large numbers of devotees to the Shri Chandi Mata Temple in Machail, Kishtwar district, is among the key religious events in the region.

Dedicated to Goddess Chandi Mata, the Machail Mata Yatra draws pilgrims from across India and abroad to the Shri Chandi Mata Temple in Machail, situated in the Paddar region of Kishtwar district.

The temporary halt from July 15 will allow for infrastructure upgrades, including road repairs, improvements to sanitation, water and electricity supply, and strengthening of security measures.

During this period, devotees are encouraged to visit the Chandi Mata Temple in Nagrota, located along the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which will remain open for prayers and offerings. Special rituals will be held there for those unable to travel to Machail during the pause.

Officials said that the pilgrimage will begin on July 25 with the traditional Chhari Mubarak procession, led by the Chandi Mata Sewa Samiti, departing from Jammu. The pilgrimage will conclude on September 5, 2025.

Preparations Underway

The Kishtwar district administration is currently working to improve facilities along the pilgrimage route. This includes enhancing road connectivity from Kishtwar to Machail, setting up medical camps and emergency services, ensuring the availability of clean drinking water and sanitation, deploying security personnel and volunteers, and establishing temporary shelters and community kitchens (langars) for pilgrims.

Devotees are advised to plan their travel after July 24 and to monitor official updates issued by the Kishtwar District Administration or the Shri Chandi Mata Sewa Samiti regarding weather, road conditions, and registration.

Pilgrims are encouraged to register in advance via the official Yatra portal (details available on the Kishtwar District Administration website) and to follow all safety guidelines, including carrying valid identification and observing environmental protocols to preserve the natural landscape of the Paddar valley.

“The temporary pause from July 15–24 is a proactive step to ensure that every devotee experiences a safe and meaningful Yatra,” said a spokesperson for the Kishtwar District Administration. “We are committed to providing essential facilities and request the cooperation of pilgrims in planning their visit accordingly.”

The Machail Mata Yatra, marked by the symbolic Chhari Mubarak (holy mace) procession each year, remains a significant expression of faith, unity, and devotion in the region. (KNO)