JAMMU, Aug 12: The Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Chhari and Pavitra Jyot Committee will organise the Holy Chhari and Akhand Jyoti Yatra from Jammu to the revered Shri Machail Mata Shrine in Kishtwar from August 16, in accordance with established religious traditions and rituals. Saints, religious leaders, representatives of social and religious organisations and a large number of devotees are expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
Giving priority to the convenience of devotees, the Committee has announced free bus services for those participating in the holy yatra. Buses will be arranged for devotees travelling from Jammu to major destinations along the pilgrimage route and back to Jammu. The initiative is aimed at facilitating devotees from economically weaker sections and far-flung areas who may otherwise face financial difficulties in undertaking the pilgrimage. Details regarding bus routes, timings and registration will be communicated by the Committee in advance.
The Committee office-bearers appealed to devotees to participate in the yatra in large numbers and seek the blessings of Shri Machail Mata. They also urged devotees to cooperate with the organisers and administration to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
As per the scheduled religious programme, the Committee team will leave Jammu for Shri Jwala Ji Mata Temple in Himachal Pradesh on August 14. The team will return to Jammu with the Akhand Jyoti on August 15, after which the sacred Akhand Jyoti and Holy Chhari will be placed at the historic Bawe Wali Mata Temple for darshan by devotees.
On August 16 at 8 am, prayers, religious rituals, bhajan-kirtan and other devotional programmes will be held at Bawe Wali Mata Temple. Following the religious ceremonies, the Holy Chhari and Akhand Jyoti Yatra will commence for Shri Machail Mata Shrine in Kishtwar.
According to the itinerary, the yatra will proceed from Kishtwar towards Atholi Temple on August 17, followed by darshan at Jwala Mata Temple before returning to Atholi. On August 18, the yatra will proceed from Atholi through Gulabgarh and reach Shri Machail Mata Shrine. The return journey from Machail to Jammu will commence on August 20.
The Committee has requested the district administrations and police authorities of Jammu, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar to extend necessary cooperation for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage. It also urged the administration to ensure adequate security and law-and-order arrangements, traffic management at important locations, medical and first-aid facilities, ambulances, drinking water, sanitation, lighting and electricity along the pilgrimage route.
The Committee appealed to devotees to participate in the Holy Chhari and Akhand Jyoti Yatra in large numbers and make full use of the free bus service being provided for their convenience. For free transport facilities, devotees may contact 9419106503, 9797576503 or 7006287159.
The press conference was addressed by Jyoti Pachnanda, Raj Kumar alias Bittu, Dinesh Mahajan, Yash Gai and Rajesh Gupta, office-bearers and representatives of the Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Chhari and Pavitra Jyot Committee.