Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today flagged off the first batch of devotees for the revered Shri Mindal Mata Yatra here from the historic Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot. The sacred Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) was received yesterday at Shree Gori Shankar Mandir by Deputy Commissioner along with the ADC Pawan Kotwal and other officers of the Civil and Police Administration and the Head Priest of the temple Mahant Ram Saran Dass Ji Maharaj.
The holy mace rested overnight at the temple before commencing its onward journey today. The annual pilgrimage is being organized by Aadi Shakti Devi Chandike Sewak Sanstha, Doda (J&K) led by Pyar Singh Ji Maa Sevak (Chief Patron) and Prof. D. S. Manhas (President).
A large number of devotees, locals and officers from the Civil and Police Administration gathered at the temple premises to accord a warm send-off to the Pavitra Charri. Devotees paid obeisance and prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being.
The yatra will proceed through Padder, Sohal, Tiyari Padder, Luj and Pangi before reaching the revered shrine of Shri Devi Maa Chandi at Mindhal, located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh via the Gulabgarh–Sansari–Himachal Pradesh route.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that comprehensive arrangements have been put in place along the pilgrimage route to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra and facilitate the devotees. He assured full cooperation from the district administration and advised pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and exercise caution while traversing the hilly terrain.