Nearly 5,000 Pilgrims Pay Obeisance on Day One of Machail Mata Yatra

SRINAGAR: Nearly 5,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Chandi Mata in Machail village of Paddar Valley as the annual Machail Mata Yatra 2025 officially commenced on July 25. According to official data, a total of 4,944 devotees, including 3,861 males, 776 females and 307 children, performed darshan at the shrine on the first day.

The Machail Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages in the Jammu Division, attracting increasing footfall each year. Last year, the Yatra witnessed the participation of nearly three lakh pilgrims. This year, the figure is expected to cross five lakh.

Pilgrims accompanying the holy mace (Chhari) will begin their journey from Jammu on August 17, following the traditional route and scheduled halts. The Yatra will conclude on September 5.

Favourable weather conditions at Machail Bhawan have so far ensured an uninterrupted journey for the pilgrims. The administration, led by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, has made arrangements for accommodation, food, sanitation, and security along the route. Langars set up by devotees near Bhawan and along the route are providing free meals, while accommodation is available at Yatri Bhawan Gulabgarh, Sapphire Guest House, luxury tents, general tent facilities and the Yatri Sarai near Chandi Mata Bhawan, Machail.

To maintain smooth movement and crowd management, the district administration has issued specific travel timings. Pilgrims travelling from Kishtwar to Gulabgarh must move between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Travel from Gulabgarh to Machail is allowed from 4:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The return journey from Machail to Gulabgarh must also be completed between 4:30 AM and 4:30 PM, and from Gulabgarh to Kishtwar between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Authorities have upgraded road connectivity and infrastructure to reduce travel time and improve the experience. A new road stretch up to Chashoti on the Gulabgarh–Machail axis has shortened the trekking distance to around three to four hours. The road from Chishoti to Hamori is operational, while the bridge at Chishoti remains under construction and is expected to be completed soon.

In addition to physical infrastructure, online registration has been made available for pilgrims through the official website www.shrimachailmatayatra.com. Pilgrims are advised to carry Aadhaar cards and to regularly check the website for route updates, travel guidelines and safety instructions. The website has been developed to assist pilgrims in planning their journey and addressing their concerns.

The district administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling Yatra experience, and has appealed to all devotees to follow instructions and Standard Operating Procedures during the pilgrimage.