Shadow Correspondent
DODA, JUNE 05:
Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh, today flagged off the famous Mata Chandi Mindal annual Yatra here from Dak Bunglow amid reciting of religious slogans in praise of the Mata. The holy yatra proceeded on its long journey towards Mindal village in Himachal Pradesh. A beautifully decorated van, featuring the traditional Maa Chandi Trishul for darshan, was the highlight of the yatra.
Arrangements for langer and refreshments were made for the devotees, who were seen wearing traditional attires symbolizing Maa Chandi Rani. The procession saw a large gathering of both male and female yatris, participating with full dedication and devotion to pay their respects to Maa Bhagwati.
The yatra, set to be completed in nine days, will travel through the Paddar Valley and culminate at the ancient Mindal Mata Chandi Temple in Mindal village, Himachal Pradesh. Devotees from various parts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, and Jammu, participate in this annual pilgrimage.
During the flag-off ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims, urging them to pray to Maa Bhagwati for peace, prosperity, and brotherhood in the country. He emphasized the spiritual significance of the yatra and encouraged devotees to maintain their devotion throughout the journey.
The Deputy Commissioner, accompanied by CPO Doda Manesh Kumar and Tehsildar Doda Dr. Subuh Ahmad Shad, assured that all necessary facilities and arrangements for a smooth and safe journey had been made by the district administration. The police department has deployed sufficient security and made traffic arrangements to ensure the safety of the yatris.
