Yatras Suspended Due to Adverse Weather
The pilgrimages to the Machail Mata and Mindhal Mata shrines in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district remained suspended on Wednesday due to adverse weather conditions triggered by heavy monsoon rain, officials said. The district administration announced the decision to ensure the safety of pilgrims, citing incessant rainfall, slippery road conditions, and the risk of shooting stones.
“In view of the adverse weather conditions prevailing across Kishtwar, including continuous rainfall, slippery road conditions and the risk of shooting stones, both the Machail Mata Yatra and the Mindhal Mata Yatra shall remain suspended on Wednesday,” an official said.
Advisory for Pilgrims
Pilgrims have been advised not to undertake the journey and to remain at their homes or other safe locations until further advisories are issued. The suspension comes as a precautionary measure to prevent any accidents or casualties due to the hazardous conditions.
Background of the Yatras
The Machail Mata yatra, held in the scenic Paddar valley, began on April 14 with the reopening of the doors of the 9,705-foot-high shrine after the winter closure. So far this year, around 90,000 devotees have visited the shrine. The annual Mindhal Mata Yatra commenced on June 1 with the departure of the holy Charri (mace) from Balasu village to Mindhal Darbar in Pangi, Himachal Pradesh.
Previous Disaster
Last year, a devastating cloudburst struck Chisoti village — the gateway to the Machail Mata shrine — on August 14, leaving 63 people dead, mostly devotees, injuring scores of others, and leaving around 30 people missing. The district administration's current decision reflects lessons learned from that tragedy, prioritizing pilgrim safety over continuity of the yatra.
