KISHTWAR: The Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2025 commenced today amid religious fervor and traditional gaiety.

The annual pilgrimage, which will continue till September 5- 2025, draws a large number of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and outside to pay obeisance at the Chandi Mata temple Shrine in village Machail located in the Paddar Valley.

Member Legislative Assembly Paddar-Nagseni and Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly Sunil Kumar Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police,Bhim Sen Tuti paid obeisance at the holy temple of Shri Chandi Mata Machail on the day one.

Later, the dignitaries reviewed the arrangements made by the District and Police Administration Kishtwar to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the yatra. Stress was laid on maintaining cleanliness and sanitation enroute, proper road maintenance especially in land slide prone area, providing adequate facilities at Langar points, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and water supply and provision of foolproof security measures.

Speaking to the media persons, the Divisional Commissioner said that the district administration and the police have made holistic arrangements for providing a smooth and hassle free yatra experience to the pilgrims of Shree Machail Mata Yatra.

"Adequate facilities have been put in place en-route from Kishtwar to Chisoti and to the Holy Shrine. The facilities include langars, toilets, help desks, medical booths and security measures for smooth and secure conduct of the annual holy Yatra," he added.

The Div Com urged the pilgrims to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines and designated yatra timings, particularly cut-off timings for crossing specific locations.

Later, the dignitaries inaugurated a counter of traditional Laddu (Prasad) made from pure barley (Jou), run by a team from Machail. The Divisional Commissioner also interacted with the devotees and enquired about the facilities and their experience.

The review was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, SSP Naresh Singh, ADC Pawan Kotwal, PO ICDS Dr. Rishi Sharma, SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar, Tehsildar Headquarter Sunali Rani besides other concerned officers and officials who were directed to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for the successful conduct of the yatra.