The historical Machail Paddar Yatra commenced today from its base camp Temple of Chandi mata at village chanote in Bhaderwah.The yatra started on August 18 and will culminate on August 25. More than 5000 pilgrims are undertaking the yatra.The yatra started from chandi Mandir at village Chanote Bhaderwah where devotees from various parts of the state as well as from other parts of country assembled and left for Machail padder in Kishtwar District amidst chanting of Bhajans and religious sermons in a cavalcade of Buses, Matadors, Sumos and cars etc.MLA Daleep Singh Parihar and MLC Bhaderwah Naresh Kumar Gupta accompanied by CEO BDA Bal Krishan, ASP Shahzad Salaria, SDPO Barjesh Sharma, Tehsildar Masood Ahmed, SHO and others tehsil officers besides large number of local people accorded a warm send off to the pilgrims.
The yatra will cover a distance of 175 KM of hilly track to reach the holy shrine of Goddess Chandi in Machail Padder. After performing religious rites there, it will start its return journey from Machail and will reach Bhaderwah on 25 August.The District Administration of twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar have made all arrangements related to health care, drinking water, temporary toilets, electricity, transportation, and other amenities enroute the yatra.