Jammu: Over 50,000 devotees paid obeisance at the revered shrine of Shree Machail Mata in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district since the beginning of the annual yatra over 11 days ago, officials said on Sunday.
The 43-day yatra officially commenced on July 25 and crossed the 50,000 mark with 8,535 pilgrims performing darshan at the holy Shree Chandi Mata Mandir of Machail Paddar on Sunday, they said.
This yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages in the Jammu division, second only to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra township of Reasi district.
The popularity of Shree Machail Yatra has soared in recent years, with over two lakh pilgrims visiting last year alone.
Pilgrims will take out the ‘chhari’ (holy mace) procession from Jammu on August 17 as per the custom and proceed towards ‘Darbar’ following traditional path and transits.
The weather at Machail Bhawan remains clear, ensuring a smooth experience for the devotees, the officials said. (PTI)
