02/06/2026
*DC Kishtwar Flags Off Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) of Shri Mindal Mata Yatra*
Kishtwar, June 2, 2026
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), today flagged off the first batch of devotees undertaking the revered Shri Mindal Mata Yatra from the historic Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, Kishtwar.
The sacred Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) was ceremonially received yesterday at Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS) along with the ADC Kishtwar Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), and other officers of the Civil and Police Administration, and the Head Priest of Shri Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot, 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) under led by Sh. Pyar Singh Ji Maa Sevak (Chief Patron) and Prof. D. S. Manhas (President).
A large number of devotees, local residents, 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 GulabgarhβSansariβHimachal 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.
Highlighting the spiritual and social significance of such pilgrimages, the Deputy Commissioner observed that yatras play an important role in promoting peace, prosperity, communal harmony and the spirit of secularism. He also appealed to devotees to pray for the progress, prosperity, and well-being of District Kishtwar and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
ADDC Kishtwar Sh. Vinod Kumar Behnal (JKAS), ADC Kishtwar Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), senior officers of the district administration, police officials, religious leaders, Head Priest of the temple, and a large number of locals and devotees were present on the occasion.