Devotees to Machail Mata shrine in Kishtwar crosses 1 lakh mark

The Machel Mata yatra, the annual pilgrimage to goddess Durga's shrine in Machel village of Kishtwar district has crossed the one-lakh mark of devotees visiting there, an official said today.

The pilgrims, whose numbers crossed one lakh mark yesterday on Independence Day, paid obeisance at Machel Mata temple, he said.

As per the official figures, a total of 1,02,224 pilgrims have visited Machel Mata temple during the pilgrimage which commenced from July 25, he said.

Heavy rush of pilgrims was seen this year which crossed one lakh mark, before the arrival of Charri Yatra from Chinote Bhadarwah to Kishtwar on August 18, he said.

Since the commencement of 'yatra', 44,919 males, 37,339 females, 19,784 children and 92 sadhus have performed darshans at Machail Mata temple, he said.

While expressing happiness over the heavy rush of pilgrims, DDC Kishtwar Angrez Singh Rana said the Yatra has immensely contributed to the upliftment of the socio-economic conditions of the people of Kishtwar and adjoining areas.