The sacred Shri Machail Mata Temple, nestled in the spiritual expanse of Machail Valley in District Kishtwar, was reopened for pilgrims on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, today, heralding the commencement of the annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026.
The religious event also marked the shifting of the idol (Murti) of Goddess Machail Mata (Durga) from the house of local priest Pehalwan Singh to the Main temple amid a huge rush of devotees amid religious rituals and a grand fair.
The reopening of the revered temple was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Singh Tutti, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma and SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, who paid their obeisance at the sacred shrine.
After paying the obeisance, the Divisional Commissioner and IGP Jammu took a comprehensive review of the arrangements put in place for the smooth and safe conduct of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026.
The review included an assessment of security protocols, provision of electricity, water supply, sanitation, langar sewa, accommodation, transportation and healthcare facilities for the devotees.
The Divisional Commissioner directed for effective implementation and enforcement of RFID registration, with counters to be established for on-the-spot registration at Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot and Gulabgarh. He emphasized that no entry shall be permitted without the registration.
He issued instructions for the strict implementation of sanitation measures, including the deployment of sanitation workers and proper management of plastic waste to make the Yatra 100% plastic-free. Further, directions were issued to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to Machail and adjoining areas.
The Divisional Commissioner also directed for adequate water supply and provision of accommodation facilities in educational institutions (schools and colleges) in the event of adverse weather conditions and emergencies along the Yatra route from Gulabgarh to Machail.
It was informed that helicopter services shall also be initiated after obtaining permission. “There shall be no movement of pilgrims, nor any establishment at the cloudburst-affected site at Chishoti,” the Divisional Commissioner directed.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned executing agencies to assess the feasibility and undertake necessary measures to increase the height of the bridge at Chishoti.
Underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra, the Divisional Commissioner said the shrine has emerged as major attraction for promoting spiritual tourism in the region. He assured full support from the administration for the successful conduct of the Yatra and emphasized the importance of providing a secure and comfortable environment for the pilgrims.
The Divisional Commissioner announced that the Gulabgarh to Machail road would soon be handed over to the BRO to build a Bailey Bridge at Chishoti within one fortnight.
Earlier at the Shrine, the Divisional Commissioner also interacted with the devotees and the locals and listened to their demands and issues. He assured that the issues would be addressed soon.
The Shri Machail Mata Yatra holds profound religious importance and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country every year. The Divisional Commissioner appealed to all pilgrims to adhere to the guidelines and safety instructions that are issued by the administration.