Pathania flags off ‘Charri Mubarak’ for Sri Machail Mata

Kishtwar, Aug 08: BJP Spokesperson and former MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania on Tuesday flagged off the 18th holy ‘Charri Mubarak’ for Sri Machail Mata Shrine at Paddar (Kishtwar) amid heartrending slogans, reciting of bhajans, folklores, beating of drums, devotees dancing and rejoicing.
The management committee of Charri Yatra had made arrangements for food, lodging and related facilities for all the pilgrims. Raj Sharma, priest of Sri Chandi Mata temple, Smal (Battal), along with hundreds of local pilgrims embarked on a 5 to 6 days tour of Sri Machail Mata, Sri Sarthal Mata, Sri Chandi Mata Bhaderwah and other shrines. The pilgrims expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to the management committee and by coming out in such huge numbers made this yatra shall be a grand success.
Speaking on the occasion Pathania said that J&K itself has a history and tradition of religious Mathhs, Mandirs and holy places. The interest and enthusiasm of the people to take part in yatras reflect the incessant faith of Hindus in the spirit of Sanatana, he said. “More so, the yatras act as a point of cultural exchange through various languages and attires. These yatras are the fulcrums of the promotion of pilgrimage tourism in the areas. People take time out of their hectic schedules and try to attain spiritual satisfaction ‘Sankalp Se Sidhhi’, he said.
Uttam Singh Palsar, Tehsildar Majalta was also present on the occasion. Visiting a sacred place is believed by the pilgrim to purify the self and bring one closer to the divine. The journey itself is as important as the destination, and the hardships of travel serve as an act of devotion in themselves.